The Matrix of Race- Social Construction, Intersectionality and Inequality s PDF

Preview

Summary

Notes, Statistics, Summaries, Analysis...

Description

5.2 Monday, 16 August 2021

1:02 PM

The Matrix of Race: Social Construction, Intersectionality and Inequality Defining Race: • Race is defined as a social and cultural system where people are categorized based on biological differences. • It is interesting to note that all humans derived from Africa • Race is derived from human interaction • Racial categorizations are social creations that are legitimized by privileges, rewards a put in place and given to certain people of a presumed race. • Race is a social construction that artificially divides people into distinct groups based o characteristics such as physical appearance, ancestor, culture, ethnic classification, an economic and political needs, desires and relations of a society at a given historical m (Adams, Bell and Griffin 1997) Constructing Race around the World • South Africa ○ Pencil test: where is a pencil ran smoothly through someone's hair, they were n got caught, they were black • South America ○ Phenotypical traits are prioritized such as skin color, hair texture and facial feat to categories people and link them to a specific socio-economic status. • United States ○ One Drop Rule: A colored person was defined as anyone with any African or Na ancestry. Ethnicity • Unlike race which focuses primarily on physical characteristics, ethnicity encompasse an individuals identity including culture, religion, tradition, ancestry, language and ge usually applied by the group and the outside world. Five Key Insights about Race 1. Race is inherently social with no biological basis. 2. Rae is a narrative developed by stereotypes and expectations we feel the need to par 3. Racial identity is relational and intersectional and is defined by our relationship and in with others. 4 Race is institutional and structural through its integration in schools and religions

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Race is inherently social with no biological basis. Rae is a narrative developed by stereotypes and expectations we feel the need to partake in Racial identity is relational and intersectional and is defined by our relationship and interactions with others. Race is institutional and structural through its integration in schools and religions. We are active agents in the matrix through our movement through social institutions which contribute to the reproduction of the idea of race.

The operation of Racism • Prejudice: The judgement of an individual based on their social identities such as race, ethnicity, religion or gender. • Prejudice leads to the promotion of stereotypes which are generalized assumptions about a group as a whole. • Prejudice and stereotypes provide foundations for discrimination. • All three of these operations of Racism lead to the development and endurance of oppression which is the systematic devaluing, undermining and marginalizing of certain social identity groups. The Sociology of Racism • Types of Racism ○ Overt or formal racism is racism that is supported or developed through government acts or legislation such as slavery, the Jim Crow laws or the dawn raids. This could also be considered old racism. ○ Informal or covert racism is relatively more discrete and subtle and usually exists in day to day life and therefore is considered a normal part of society. This can also be considered new racism. Reading Question • Explain how race and ethnicity are socially constructed • Evaluate the relationship between social contexts and race • Identify the concepts and operation of racism • Examine the link between our personal narratives and the broader story of race...