Posted: April 10th, 2022

Economic trends affecting diverse groups

1. If perceiving discrimination is so consistently associated with negative feelings about yourself, why couldn’t a person simply change his or her view? Would that change the overall adverse effects of ambiguous bias?

2. Whites see themselves differently when they are in the minority compared to when they are in the majority. As our society become more diverse, can we expect that whites will be more aware of their own racial status and the privilege that it confers? Do you expect that changing whites attitudes about racial identity is an important way to produce racial intergroup harmony?

3. DuBois;s double consciousness theory is often used as the starting point for analysis of psychological effects of duality and marginalization. Is the application of this theory appropriate for all groups, or do we need different theories for different groups? What are the pros and cons of each perspective and what evidence would you cite to support your point of view?

4. Many years of research have shown that intergroup contact is very effective in reducing racism and other forms of intergroup bias. How can this research finding be applied to reduce intergroup bias and potential conflict

5. This chapter presents and elaborates on a quote from justice Sandra Day O’Connor: “there are benefits that flow from a diverse student body” What arguments for or against the ones presented in this chapter do you think are valid and why?

6. What are some common rationalizations used to avoid interactions with other groups?

7. It is often argued that emphasizing diversity exaggerates differences among us and diverts attention from our similarities. Can you think of situations you have been in where attention to and respect for differences helped you become aware of similarities?

8. Three approaches to achieving a fair society discussed in this chapter are colorblind, multicultural and identity safety approaches. What are the positives and negatives of each? Which approach do you favor and why?

9. Consider the 10 universal values described in table 10.1. Which ones do you endorse? Which ones do you think most people of your social class endorse? Which ones do you think are most endorsed in this country? What happens when people hold different universal values?

10. do you think there is Black male priviledge? In what situations might black males occupy a position of power and under what circumstances?

11. Make a list of the situations in which you feel power as a person and those in which you feel power because of the social group to which you belong. Explain the source of your powerful position. In what situations do you feel you have little or no power.

12. Think about whether and why you agree or disagree with this statement : Social hierarchies are necessary for society to function. Whatever your opinion, what alternatives to heriarchies would be feasible?

13. How are economic trends affecting diverse groups in the united states?

14. What factors account for the decline in college enrollment for males compare with females?

15. The new your times series on “race” relations in the United States described in this chapter was conducted over 10 years ago. What has changed since this series was produced? what has remained the same or gotten worse?

16. Which of the diversity principles presented in this chapter best inform or reflect your understanding of diversity? What do you see operating in your own experience?

17. What strategies for coping with diversity in the context of fairness- do you see as most promising.

18. Describe one way the material in this book can help you address diversity in your personal life.