Multicultural issues in psych 9/3

Ethnicity distinguishes individuals as members of an ethnic group.
Membership can be subjective and vary: by birth when we are born; sometimes by marriage; there are cases where ethnicity is acquired or claimed through family ties.
There are various ethnic groups, with some being more prominent or discussed than others.

In forms used during admissions or job applications, there is often an EEO form.
The last part of the form asks for voluntary disclosure of gender, race, and ethnicity.
A problem today is that there is usually only one box to check for ethnicity, raising the question: can ethnicity be multiple or involve two ethnic groups?
If my parents belong to two different ethnic groups, I would be considered mixed.
Some people do not want to be labeled as Hispanic or Asian, highlighting sensitivity around labeling.
There is currently no option to select multiple ethnicities on the form; we are forced to choose only one.

Some races are more open to diversity, including inter-caste marriage or being willing to learn about other cultures.
These groups tend to be more diverse in practice.
Other groups are more closed, maintaining traditional norms and values; for example, some doctors may rely strictly on textbook knowledge and may not consider perspectives beyond what they have learned, not taking chances to explore other cultural approaches.

Race is constructed by society; different races have been created and promoted, often by the dominant group.
For example, the category of “white” is highlighted as a defined race within this constructed framework.
Religion and occupation are mentioned as factors related to privilege, indicating that privilege can arise from multiple social identifiers beyond race alone.

A map referred to as the social orientation of all the ways an individual expresses or embodies their culture; this emphasizes that culture can be a central reference point for a person.
An example used: I am a Red Sox fan, my brother is a Yankees fan, my father is a fan of another team; such affiliations help illustrate how personal culture shapes identity.
We all have our own cultural self, and we share our cultural self with others through interaction.

The way we communicate with others, how we dress, how we eat, and how we share or care for others are all aspects of culture and reflect cultural norms.

There is a lack of power and access to society’s resources for some individuals due to discrimination.
This disadvantage is driven by the actions and structures of the dominant society, resulting in unequal opportunities and outcomes.

Ethnicity identity can be based on birth, marriage, or family heritage, and labeling practices can be limiting or problematic.
Data collection on race/ethnicity often uses single-choice boxes, despite the reality of multi-ethnic backgrounds.
Cultural openness varies across groups, influencing attitudes toward inter-cultural interactions and medical or professional practices.
Race is socially constructed and tied to power dynamics and privilege, with broader implications for religion, occupation, and other identifiers.
Everyday culture (speech, dress, food, caregiving) is a core part of personal identity and social interaction.
Discrimination by the dominant society affects access to resources and opportunities, reinforcing social inequality.