Koppelmann_CH1

Chapter 1: Understanding Ourselves and Others

Learning Outcomes

• Goals After Reading:

  • Explain how Americans learn their beliefs and values, and their impact on behavior.

  • Provide definitions and distinctions for:

    1. Bias, stereotype, prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination.

    2. Race, ethnicity, nationality, and minority group.

Diverse Perspectives and Human Differences

• Quote by Baruch Spinoza highlights the need for understanding diversity in opinions, values, and beliefs.

• Emphasis on recognizing human diversity in various social categories such as race, ethnicity, social class, gender, sexual orientation, and disability.

• America’s diverse culture supports the freedom to choose perceptions and behaviors in a democratic society.

The Role of Beliefs and Values

• Distinction Between Beliefs and Values:

  • Scholars like Kniker (1977) define beliefs as inferences about reality:

    • Descriptive beliefs: e.g., the belief that the Earth is round based on observation.

    • Evaluative beliefs: e.g., Winston Churchill's views on democracy.

    • Prescriptive beliefs: e.g., student involvement in rule-making to encourage cooperation.

  • Rokeach states a cluster of related beliefs forms an attitude, and values influence choices, highlighting that values dictate actions taken or avoided.

American Values Regarding Wealth

• Wealth perception varies:

  • For some, money defines success, while for others it is about comfortable living; some hold the belief that love of money is harmful.

• Historical Example of Thomas Jefferson illustrates the conflict between belief and social status.

Inconsistencies in American Values and Behavior

• Myrdal’s Research (1944) identifies core values of American society:

  1. Worth and dignity of the individual.

  2. Equality.

  3. Inalienable rights to life, liberty, property, and pursuit of happiness.

  4. Rights to freedom of expression.

  5. Majority rule.

  6. Rule of law.

  7. Due process.

  8. Community and national welfare.

• These values are often contradicted by behaviors such as social conformity and peer pressure.

• Case Study: Franklin’s research on men who assault gay males illustrates the contradiction between personal beliefs and group behavior.

The Impact of Confirmation Bias

• Confirmation bias exacerbates inconsistencies in behavior:

  • Individuals often search for and interpret information in ways that affirm their existing beliefs.

  • Research by Kolbert (2017) shows individuals reinforce pre-existing opinions rather than evaluating new data.

• Tools to counteract confirmation bias include encouraging open-mindedness and critical thinking.

Definitions of Key Terms Relating to Human Differences

• Bias: A preference that inhibits impartial judgment.

• Stereotype: Traits assigned to groups that can be positive or negative.

• Prejudice: Negative attitude towards a group, leading to predisposed behavior.

• Bigotry: Extreme negative attitudes toward a group.

• Discrimination: Actions by dominant groups negatively impacting subordinate groups.

Race, Ethnicity, and Nationality

• Race is a social construct based on perceived physical differences rather than scientific definitions.

• Ethnicity refers to cultural heritage and history (e.g., ancestry).

• Nationality pertains to citizenship or country of residence.

• Minority Groups: Defined by limited power rather than population size.

  • Example: South African context illustrates the power dynamics associated with majority and minority status.

Misuse of Labels and Language

• Labels can create misunderstanding and perpetuate stereotypes:

  • Derogatory terms used by majority groups affect both minority groups and perceptions in dominant groups.

  • Stereotypes lead to harmful expectations and behaviors, as shown in negative media portrayals affecting societal attitudes towards mental illness and race.

Complexities of Value Teaching

• Teaching Values: Various methods include:

  1. Setting examples.

  2. Using rules and regulations.

  3. Persuading and appealing to conscience.

  4. Limiting choices to instill values.

Conclusion

• Summarizes the interconnectedness of values, behavior, and choice in understanding human differences:

  • Our values evolve based on societal input but are ultimately shaped by personal beliefs and interactions.

  • Language and clarity are critical in discussing diversity, emphasizing the need for precise definitions to enhance understanding.