Race & Ethnic Stratification: Social Construction, Racism, and Microaggressions

What is discrimination?

Unfair or harmful actions taken against individuals based on their perceived characteristics.

What are microaggressions?

Subtle, often unintentional, comments or actions that convey negative or dismissive attitudes towards marginalized groups.

Give an example of a racial microaggression.

'Where are you really from?' implying that a person of color is not truly from the place they identify with.

What is the connection between prejudice and stereotypes?

Prejudice often stems from stereotypes, which are oversimplified beliefs about a group that lead to unfair judgments.

How can awareness of privilege lead to change?

By recognizing privilege, individuals can work towards addressing systemic inequalities and promoting equity.

What does it mean to say that racism is built into society?

It means that societal structures and institutions perpetuate racial inequalities and biases.

What is the impact of lack of representation in institutions?

It perpetuates systemic racism and limits opportunities for marginalized groups.

What is the significance of the statement 'White privilege doesn't mean your life hasn't been hard'?

It emphasizes that while individuals may face hardships, their skin color does not contribute to those difficulties.

What are some examples of differential treatment in the criminal justice system?

Disparities in sentencing, racial profiling, and unequal treatment of individuals based on race.

What role does the media play in perpetuating stereotypes?

The media often reinforces stereotypes through representation, which can shape public perception and attitudes.

How can cultural appropriation affect marginalized communities?

It can exploit and commodify their culture while disregarding the significance and history behind cultural elements.

What is the relationship between racism and health disparities?

Racism contributes to health disparities through unequal access to healthcare, stress from discrimination, and socioeconomic inequalities.

What are some common responses to microaggressions?

Responses can include confusion, discomfort, or the decision to confront the aggressor, depending on the context.

What is the 'one drop of blood' rule?

A historical social rule that classified individuals as black if they had any black ancestry.

Why is race considered a social construction?

Because it groups people based on alleged physical differences, despite being biologically meaningless as humans are 99.9% identical.

What is cultural appropriation?

The adoption of cultural elements from an oppressed group by members of a dominant group without permission, often for the dominant group's gain.

How does racism manifest as a public health issue?

Through systemic inequalities such as wage gaps, differential treatment in justice and healthcare systems, and lack of representation in top positions.

What is white privilege?

The societal advantages that white people experience, which are often invisible to them, allowing them to navigate life without racial bias affecting their opportunities.

What does the metaphor about riding a bike illustrate regarding privilege?

It highlights how privilege shapes awareness, suggesting that those with privilege may not notice the struggles of those without it.

What is prejudice?

An unfair prejudgment or opinion about an individual or group.

Institutional Racism

Racist practices that are built into and normalized within social institutions like schools, workplaces, and government systems.

Systemic Racism

Racism that is embedded across multiple connected institutions, where discrimination in one area affects others.

Side-Effect Discrimination

When discrimination in one institution or system unintentionally impacts other connected institutions.

Past-in-Present Discrimination

Current inequalities that exist because of historical injustices that continue to shape today's outcomes.

Colorblind Racism

The belief that not "seeing race" promotes equality, but actually ignores real inequalities and hides privilege.

"I don't see color" ideology

A form of colorblind racism that dismisses racial differences and can erase the experiences of marginalized groups.

Symbolic Interactionism (in racism context)

The idea that racism is learned through social interaction, meaning it can also be unlearned.

Unlearning Racism

The process of recognizing and changing learned biased beliefs, behaviors, and systems.

Individual Level Change

Efforts to reduce racism through personal awareness, reflection, and behavior change.

Small Group Change

Reducing racism through education, discussion, and interaction within smaller groups like classrooms or teams.

Group Contact Theory

The idea that racism can decrease when groups interact under equal status, cooperation, and shared goals.

Institutional Change

Policies or structural changes within organizations or systems designed to reduce discrimination.

Affirmative Action

Policies intended to increase opportunities for historically marginalized groups and reduce discrimination.

Strict Affirmative Action

Strong policies designed to actively prevent discrimination and increase representation of marginalized groups.

Quota System

A system requiring a fixed percentage of jobs or positions to be filled by certain groups (often ruled unconstitutional).

Preference Policies

Hiring or admission practices that prioritize fairness and equal qualifications rather than favoring dominant groups.

Diversity in Organizations

The idea that including people from different backgrounds improves decision-making and helps achieve goals.

Institutional & Societal Racism

Broad systems of inequality embedded in laws, policies, and cultural norms across society.

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