The Social Construction f Race, Class, Gender, sexuality and privilege Multiculturalism in the US, Robert Wonser

The Social Construction of Reality Social Constructions matter because they are the basis for inequality.

Race matters The black unemployment rate has consistently been twice as high as the white unemployment rate for 50 years: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/08/19/charts-the-economic-gap-between-blacks-and-whites-hasnt-budged-for-50-years/

Race matters For the past fifty years, Black unemployment has been at almost recession levels.

Gap in household income hasn’t really narrowed in 50 years

Great recession made the gap worse:

Black children are far more likely to live in concentrated areas of poverty

Desegregation of public schools halted in 1980

Blacks are far more likely to be uninsured than whites

The Flipside to Disadvantage Racism and discrimination disadvantages some but benefits others in the form of an invisible unseen privilege. Invisible knapsack refers to the unearned resources (carried in the Invisible Knapsack) that are not in broad view or intended to be seen. “White privilege is like an invisible weightless knapsack of special provisions, maps, passports, codebooks, visas, clothes, tools and blank checks.  Introduction to Sociology: Race and Ethnicity

Introduction to Sociology: Race and Ethnicity Invisible knapsack * I can be pretty sure that my neighbors in such a location will be neutral or pleasant to me. * I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed. * I can turn on the television or open to the front page of the paper and see people of my race widely represented * If a traffic cop pulls me over or if the IRS audits my tax return, I can be sure I haven’t been singled out because of my race. Introduction to Sociology: Race and Ethnicity

Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality Pierre Bourdieu has attempted to explain social reproduction, the tendency for social class status to be passed down from one generation to the next. This happens because each generation acquires cultural capital (tastes, habits, expectations, skills, knowledge, etc.) that help us to gain advantages in society  comprising our habitus (a structure of the mind characterized by a set of acquired sensibilities, dispositions, preferences and tastes) This cultural capital either helps or hinders us as we become adults. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality

Unequal childhoods Achievement of natural growth Or Concerted cultivation?

Male privilege Who is the world designed by and in mind? Who is the ideal worker? Walking alone.

Introduction to Sociology: Sex and Gender Homophobia Homophobia is a fear of or discrimination toward homosexuals or toward individuals who display purportedly gender-inappropriate behavior. Some argue that the term “homophobia” represents a biased attitude because the term “phobia” implies a psychological condition, thus excusing intolerance. Despite a great deal of change in recent years, homophobia is still common in American society. Some argue that the term “homophobia” represents a biased attitude because the term “phobia” implies a psychological condition, thus excusing intolerance. Introduction to Sociology: Sex and Gender 15 15

Introduction to Sociology: Sex and Gender Heterosexism Homophobia refers to individual beliefs and behaviors, not institutionalized discrimination. Heterosexism refers to the antihomosexual beliefs and practices embedded in social institutions. Similar to“white privilege; we’re not taught to see how racism puts some in a position of privilege but rather view it as something that puts racial ethnic minorities at a disadvantage. Introduction to Sociology: Sex and Gender

Examples of Heterosexism Hospitals do not recognize spousal rights for same-sex partners sick or dying or for same-sex parents with children in the hospital Gay, bisexual and lesbian issues are not included in school curricula School rules about name-calling, harassment or bullying are not enforced for anti-gay incidents Student rights laws or policies do not include sexual orientation as a protected category School social events are organized around assumptions of heterosexuality (dances, dating) Same-sex displays of affection in school are not tolerated Lesbians and gay men are assumed to be a threat to children in some professions: teaching, coaching, pediatric medicine Introduction to Sociology: Sex and Gender

Examples of Heterosexual Privilege You can go wherever you want and know that you will not be harassed, beaten, or killed because of your sexuality You do not have to worry about being mistreated by the police or victimized by the criminal justice system because of your sexuality You can express affection (kissing, hugging, and holding hands) in most social situations and not expect hostile or violent reactions from others You are more likely to see sexually-explicit images of people of your sexuality without these images provoking public consternation or censorship You can discuss your relationships and publicly acknowledge your partner (such as by having a picture of your lover on your desk) without fearing that people will automatically disapprove or think that you are being “blatant” You can legally marry the person whom you love in all 50 states You can receive tax breaks, health insurance coverage, and spousal legal rights through being in a long-term relationship Introduction to Sociology: Sex and Gender