CRM 601 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Ethnocentrism, Cultural Imperialism, Institutionalized Discrimination
10 May 2018
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LECTURE 3
Forms of Oppression
Social construction of reality- the sociological theory that proposes that how we present
ourselves in any given situation is shaped by the interactions of our all our past relations
and the social interactions that we have with others
-how we cant with someone is completely based on how they relate to our own beliefs,
values, and experiences
stereotype- a stereotype is a label that may have some basis in fact, but that has been
grossly over generalized and applied to a particular segment of the population, or
situation (example: women are bad drivers)
prejudice- a negative attitude based on learned notions about members of selected
groups, based on their physical, social or cultural characteristics
-similar to stereotyping but involves prejudging component and mostly discriminatory
behavior
4 main characterizations of prejudice:
1. It can be defined as "an undue judgment, favourable or unfavourable, toward an
object, person, or thing."
2. No one is free, either consciously or unconsciously, from prejudice.
3. Prejudice is a "normal" human attribute arising from cognitive processes that
occur naturally- processes that can assist a person who holds a prejudice by
conserving mental energy but that can also have damaging results.
4. Because of its complexity, prejudice is difficult to control or eliminate (Webster,
Saucier, &: Harris, 2010).
Ethnocentrism- refers to a tendency to regard ones own culture and group as the
standard, and thus superior, whereas all other groups are seen as inferior
Discrimination-the unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on their
characteristics or behaviors. It involves actions or practices of dominant group members
that have a harmful impact on members of a subordinate group
Individual or direct discrimination: The denial of a right or freedom by an individual,
against another individual, Institution, or group (example: owner of banquet hall who
refuses rent to gay couple for wedding)
Systemic or institutionalized discrimination: The policies of the dominant group's
institutions and the behaviors of the individuals who control these policies, which tend
to have a harmful or undesirable effect on the members of a minority group.
-differs from individual/direct cause we may not be aware of it
-former height requirement for police forced that indirectly discriminated against asians
Structural discrimination: The policies in the institutions of the dominant groups and
the behavior of the individuals who control the policies are neutral in intent, but end up
having a differential or harmful effect on the minority groups.
-hard to describe in terms of intent
-example: lay off policies based on company seniority or length of employment
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