- Why do so many people, in particular, so many young people, seem to believe that racism and sexism are largely things of the past? Why is it easier to think this way than to see discrimination as an ongoing problem facing Americans?
Unit 4: Unit Review Questions
- Is striving for a "color blind" or "gender-neutral" society the solution for the racism and sexism? Why or why not? What other solutions might there be for dealing with institutional and individual discriminatory practices and attitudes?
- If you were going into a helping profession such as social work, counseling, nursing or teaching, how does being aware of the pervasive aspects of discrimination help you in thinking about the people you deal with?
- Do you think Affirmative Action is still necessary? Why or why not? Is the "playing field" now "leveled" enough to give equal access to well paying jobs and educational opportunities to women and minorities?
- How does the media contribute to the maintenance of inequalities?
Unit 5: Unit Review Questions
- How does race get factored into economics? Does everyone have an equal chance to make a lot of money in this country? Why or why not?
- What is the effect of myths about people who "make it" because of "hard work" (like stores of Haratio Alger) on discussions of poverty and people who live impoverished existences? How do they serve to socially construct attitudes and stereotypes of the poor and maintain economic hierarchies?
- How does an impoverished existence make one more vulnerable to things like abuse, domestic violence, and unsafe and crowded living conditions?
- How does class position shift the significance of one's gender? One's race or ethnicity?
Unit 6: Unit Review Questions
- How does a person of mixed heritage expose the lie of racial categories? How does the notion of racial purity complicate racial identity?
- Why were Native American children taken from their families and forced into boarding schools? What implications did this have for their culture?
- How do stereotypes of homosexual behavior support the believe that homosexuality and masculinity are contradictory constructions?
- Does class influence your selection of foods, clothing, hobbies or interests? How about the way you are able to raise your children? Does your race or ethnicity affect what school you attend and what careers are available to you? How about your gender? Does it affect your career choice? Please explain your answer.