Assignment Task:
175 words each
Post 1:
In the US, the way society views race, class, and gender plays a significant role in shaping people's experiences and identities. Race is often seen through a combination of historical, cultural and structural lens that has created a hierarchy, where certain groups, such as Caucasians have been privileged while people of color have faced discrimination and systemic barriers. For example, people of color may encounter stereotypes, racial profiling, or unequal access to education and job opportunities. Class is usually tied to income and social status, which affects the kinds of opportunities people receive, the neighborhoods they live in, and even how others perceive and treat them in terms of worth and capability. Gender perceptions are influenced by long-standing norms and expectations, like the idea that women should take on care giving roles or that men shouldn't show vulnerability. These ideas still influence pay gaps, leadership opportunities, and everyday interactions.
These perceptions can deeply affect one's psychological development. Growing up in an environment where your race, class, or gender affects how others see and treat you can shape your self-esteem, confidence, and sense of identity. For instance, a young girl of color from a low-income background might internalize negative stereotypes or feel out of place in certain academic spaces, which can impact how she views her potential, her self-esteem and sense of belonging. Conversely, people who grow up with more privilege might not always recognize the advantages they have, which can influence their worldview and interactions with others. Over time, these experiences shape how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we navigate society. As Keith (2019) notes, cultural perceptions and societal structures strongly influence psychological development, shaping identity formation, self-concept, and interpersonal relationships. Need Assignment Help?
Reference:
Keith, K. D. (2019). Cross-Cultural Psychology: Contemporary themes and perspectives (3rd ed.). Wiley Blackwell.
Post 2:
Since the definition of culture encompasses many aspects and various social dynamics, rules, values, beliefs, norms and behaviors, these become attitudes surrounding or toward the world around the individual to develop the social culture.
Race in US society today has shifted and progressively since the civil rights movement. Social class is linked with economic status and opportunity, as a society there is an emphasis on individual success and achievement. Wealth inequality for available access to good healthcare and education remain limited to the resource accessibility. Since the feminist movements and continued strides in the LGBTQ communities there have been major shifts and social acceptance for gender differences. Traditional gender roles have and continue to be challenged.
Race, class and gender do not operate independently; they intersect to produce unique experiences of privilege and discrimination. Intersectionality helps explain how the various identities combine to shape people's individual and social realities.
The social links of race, class and gender on my own psychological development was quite challenging growing up. I am a multicultural and multi-raced female with homes in both a rural area and city in the middle and lower classes of society. There were many identity challenges growing up in the 90's with influences from small town closed-minded social views and a vast inclusive expansion of cultures in a city.
Keith, K. D. (2019). Cross-Cultural psychology (2nd ed.). Wiley.