Race, Class, and Gender in the United States

Study Notes

Race, class, gender, and sexuality are socially constructed categories used to allocate wealth, power, resources, and opportunities.

Racial Formation

The case of Susie Guillory Phipps highlighted the complexities of racial classification under the 1/32 Black Law.
Race transitioned from a biological concept to a socially constructed entity influenced by political dynamics.

Underclass Definition

The term "underclass" is often linked to poverty and racial minorities, fostering harmful stereotypes instead of addressing systemic economic issues.

Systems of Advantage

Racism, sexism, heterosexism, and class privilege create disparities, providing advantages to certain groups while oppressing others.

Diversity and Tensions

Increasing diversity in the U.S. leads to tensions and conflicts; the perception of American identity predominantly remains white.

Economic Myths

The American Dream myth suggests success is solely based on hard work, despite a widening gap between the wealthy and the poor.

Need for Economic Revolution

The U.S. economy is described as needing a significant shift in values and fairness to address systemic inequalities.

Voice and Lived Experience

Statistics fail to convey the personal experiences behind the numbers; traditional narratives predominantly reflect the views of privileged groups.

Historical Injustices

The Declaration of Independence's claim of equality did not apply to Black people, who were constitutionally undervalued.

Stereotypes and ideological constructs play vital roles in sustaining race, class, and gender hierarchies, often conveyed through media and education.

Class Upbringing

Annette Lareau's study contrasts the upbringing of middle-class Black and White children, highlighting different developmental impacts on individualism.

Self-Fulfilling Stereotypes

Behavior influenced by stereotypes may reinforce those stereotypes, limiting opportunities for individuals who do not conform.

Early Impact of Racism

Racism often begins in childhood through distorted information rather than direct experience, contributing to passive racism.

Color-Blind Racism

Eduardo Bonilla-Silva presents four frames of color-blind racism that shield whites from addressing racial realities in America.

Asian Immigrant Discrimination

Discusses the nuanced discrimination faced by Asian immigrants, who often reject identification as people of color, complicating discussions of racism.

Women's Oppression

Marilyn Frye frames women's oppression as a pervasive phenomenon, likening it to being trapped in a cage, hindering freedom and growth.

Call for Redistribution

Gregory Mantsios argues that achieving a just society requires significant wealth and power redistribution driven by grassroots movements.

Factory Worker Exploitation

Report on poor working conditions in a Queens garment factory, highlighting exploitation of immigrant workers through low wages and unethical practices.

Economic Myths Debunked

Kevin Drum challenges widespread economic myths that hinder growth, emphasizing the need for alternative understandings of economic relationships.

Income Disparities

A significant increase in income inequality, particularly among top earners, is linked to executive pay structures and capital gains.

Neighborhood Poverty Increase

A report shows a third increase in the number of people living in areas of extreme poverty in large U.S. cities over the past decade.

Class, Racial, and Cultural Divisions

Persistence of divisions within the 99% has deepened since 2008, affecting various socioeconomic and racial groups.

Wealth Gaps

The wealth gap between racial groups has grown significantly, evidenced by net worth and asset ownership data.

Educational Inequalities

Educational funding disparities persist, with wealthier, predominantly white districts receiving more resources, exacerbating inequalities.

Inequality and Health

Inequality in society is linked to disparities in health outcomes and overall quality of life.

Democracy Undermined by Inequality

Economic inequality is said to weaken democratic institutions and processes, diminishing civic engagement and representation.

Plutocratic Culture

Examination of the influence of institutions, values, and ideologies in fostering a culture that favors wealthy elites over equitable governance.

Invisible Class Issues

The media often overlooks class issues, perpetuating the invisibility of poverty and socio-economic challenges in America.

Educational Apartheid

Ongoing segregation in education highlights systemic inequalities, creating a divide between affluent and impoverished communities.

Masked Racism

Exploration of how systemic racism manifests subtly, often obscured by societal narratives that deny its prevalence and impact.

Description

Explore the complex interplay of race, class, and gender in American society through these flashcards. Learn how these concepts are socially constructed and their impact on wealth and power distribution. Perfect for understanding critical theories in social science.

Race, Class, and Gender in the United States

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Questions and Answers

What is RCG 1.0-The Social Construction of Difference about?

What was the outcome of Susie Guillory Phipps' case regarding racial classification?

Race is currently considered a stable and well-defined concept.

What has the definition of 'underclass' been associated with?

What systems provide advantages based on race, sex, sexual orientation, and class according to RCG 2.0?

What key issue does RCG 3.0 highlight regarding U.S. diversity?

The mythology of the American Dream assures success based on _____ and ability.

What did the Declaration of Independence state about 'all men'?

Racism does not begin until firsthand experiences are encountered.

Which of the following are considered central frames of color-blind racism?

Lareau's comparison discusses the impact of _____ on the upbringing of middle-class children.