Race, Class, and Gender Reader Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of the social construction of difference?

Race and class are purely biological concepts.

Race, class, and gender have been constructed to distribute wealth and power. (correct)

Gender has no influence on the social structure.

Race is an immutable trait across cultures.

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

She lost because of the 1/32 Black Law.

What is 'White Privilege' as described by Peggy McIntosh?

It is an 'unearned entitlement.'

Gender inequality is produced exclusively by individual behavior.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does Judith Lorber suggest about the production of gender inequality?

It is maintained through identifiable social processes. Signup and view all the answers

What societal conditions facilitated the recognition of Jews as 'White Folks'?

Federal programs and socioeconomic mobility. Signup and view all the answers

Racism, sexism, heterosexism, and class privilege are systems of advantage that provide those with the '______' opportunities and rewards.

right race, sex, sexual orientation, and class Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument in Beverly Daniel Tatum's definition of racism?

The impact of racism begins early in childhood and is shaped by distorted cultural stereotypes. Signup and view all the answers

Color-blind racism is characterized by which of the following frames?

Naturalization and biologization of culture Signup and view all the answers

Discrimination solely refers to intentional acts against individuals based on race or gender.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the myth about lower taxes as the best way to grow the economy suggest?

It is a misconception that lower taxes drive economic growth. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Savage Inequalities' refer to?

Richer, whiter school districts getting more public funds while the Federal government looks the other way. Signup and view all the answers

What is the life expectancy trend for women compared to men in the U.S.?

Women have a longer life expectancy than men Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant health statistic related to African American females in Harlem?

65% of African American females living up to age 15 survive to age 65. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Undocumented Immigrants Finds Path to College, Careers' suggest?

Many immigrant children are capable of finding opportunities Signup and view all the answers

Inequality can undermine the legitimacy of democratic institutions.

True Signup and view all the answers

What principle does the statement 'pain is good' represent?

Strength and endurance Signup and view all the answers

What comparison does Anthony Prior make about the NFL?

He compares the NFL to slavery. Signup and view all the answers

How were slaves regarded in the Declaration of Independence?

They were considered 3/5 of a person Signup and view all the answers

The Act Prohibiting the Teaching of Slaves to Read was intended to prevent ______.

knowledge and power Signup and view all the answers

Match the following Supreme Court cases with their outcomes:

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka = Racially segregated educational facilities are inherently unequal Roe v. Wade = Legalized a woman's right to get an abortion Plessy v. Ferguson = Established the 'One Drop Rule' Dred Scott v. Sandford = Determined Dred Scott was not a citizen because he was black Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Race, class, gender, and sexuality are socially constructed categories that influence the distribution of wealth, power, and resources.
Racial formation is a dynamic process, historically rooted in biological concepts but evolved into a complex social construct interlinked with politics and identity.

Historical Context and Personal Narratives

Richard Wright's "The Ethics of Living Jim Crow" highlights personal experiences of racial discrimination under Jim Crow laws.
Pem Davidson Buck illustrates how colonial legislatures created racial categories that entrenched white privilege, linking skin color to social superiority.

Identity and Ethnicity

Karen Brodkin's analysis shows how Euro-ethnic groups accessed privileges through hard work and education, creating barriers for African Americans.
Judith Lorber argues gender inequality stems from social processes embedded in societal structures, defining roles and responsibilities.

Masculinity and Gender Dynamics

Michael S. Kimmel critiques the definition of masculinity in the US, revealing how homophobia reinforces traditional masculine norms, equating manhood with power.

Systems of Oppression

Systems of advantage such as racism, sexism, and class privilege perpetuate inequality and restrict opportunities for marginalized groups.
Beverly Daniel Tatum discusses the early impacts of racism through distorted cultural stereotypes affecting children.

Discrimination in Institutions

Individual, organizational, and structural discrimination create barriers based on race and gender, leading to systemic exclusion.
Organizational discrimination is often embedded in policies that favor the dominant group, perpetuating inequity.

Economic Disparities

The increasing wealth gap amidst claims of the American Dream underscores the structural issues that inhibit upward mobility for many citizens.
Studies reveal the growing disparities in wealth among racial groups, highlighting a 20-to-1 wealth ratio between whites and minorities.

Child Development and Family

Annette Lareau's research compares the upbringing of lower-class and middle-class children, emphasizing the impact of economic status on individual development.
Gendered wage gaps persist despite educational advancements for women, signifying systemic barriers in securing equitable pay.

Immigration and Inequality

The complexity of U.S. immigration policy reflects ongoing tensions and conflicts regarding race, ethnicity, and identity, as highlighted by various authors.
Undocumented immigrants face significant challenges in accessing education and professional opportunities, affecting their contributions to society.

Inequality correlates with poorer health outcomes, including higher rates of chronic diseases and lower life expectancies among marginalized communities.
Social inequalities undermine democratic structures, breeding resentment and political instability, which further complicate efforts to address systemic issues.

Conclusion on Inequality

Addressing economic, racial, and gender inequality involves recognizing and dismantling systemic barriers to create a more equitable society.### Issues of Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality
Statistics provide a quantitative story but do not capture the qualitative lived experiences of individuals, particularly those marginalized by race and class.
Historical writings and teachings predominantly reflect perspectives of privileged white males, shaping a biased reality.

Discrimination in Names

A person’s first name can be a source of discrimination in job applications, travel check-ins, and housing purchases.

The societal belief that pain equates to courage leads to its justification within a patriarchal framework, reinforcing social hierarchies.

NFL and Racial Inequality

Anthony Prior draws parallels between the NFL and slavery, highlighting the disproportionate number of black players versus white management roles (65% players, 18% coaches, 6% GMs).

Sympathy for Mike Tyson

June Jordan expresses empathy for Mike Tyson amid his legal troubles, understanding his challenging upbringing in a dangerous environment.

Young women often adopt behaviors associated with eating disorders, influenced by societal pressure, especially around spring break.

Historical Race and Gender Issues in U.S. Law

The Declaration of Independence originally considered black individuals as three-fifths of a person, showcasing systemic racism ingrained in the legal framework.

Slave Codes and Control

South Carolina's 1712 laws initiated the slave codes aimed at maintaining the dominance of slaveholders over enslaved individuals.

3/5 Compromise

This compromise was a method for determining state representation, quantifying slaves as three-fifths of a person.

Literacy and Control

Laws prohibiting the teaching of literacy to slaves were implemented as a means of preventing rebellion and maintaining power.

Seneca Falls Convention

The 1848 Declaration of Sentiments voiced the feminist movement's call for gender equality in rights, opportunities, and suffrage.

Antisuffragist Arguments

The opposition to women's suffrage argued that women should remain in traditional roles, claiming existing privileges would be undermined by voting rights.

Dred Scott Decision

The Supreme Court ruled that Dred Scott, a runaway slave, was not a U.S. citizen, denying him legal recognition because of his race.

Emancipation Proclamation

Issued on January 1, 1863, this proclamation declared the freedom of slaves in rebel states, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. history.

Constitutional Amendments

The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 14th secured citizenship for all born in the U.S., and the 15th prohibited voting discrimination based on race.

Impact of Black Codes

Following the Emancipation Proclamation, Black Codes were established, continuing to restrict the freedoms of newly emancipated individuals.

Gender Inequality in Law

Myra Bradwell's denial of a law license exemplified gender bias, with rulings supporting the notion that women should not engage in professional roles.

Voting Rights and Gender

In Minor v. Happersett, the Court held that women's citizenship did not guarantee them the right to vote, leaving the decision to states.

Plessy v. Ferguson

Established the "One Drop Rule" and upheld the constitutionality of segregation laws, enforcing racial discrimination.

19th Amendment

Ratified women's right to vote, marking progress in the fight for gender equality.

Brown v. Board of Education

Declared that racially segregated schools were inherently unequal, overturning segregation in education.

Roe v. Wade

Legalized a woman’s right to an abortion in the early stages of pregnancy, influencing reproductive rights.

The Equal Rights Amendment

Proposed to ensure equal legal rights regardless of sex; failed ratification by the deadline, illustrating ongoing gender inequality.

Lawrence v. Texas

The Supreme Court invalidated laws criminalizing private consensual homosexual acts, reinforcing rights for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Stereotypes, ideologies, and language contribute significantly to social control, largely perpetuated through education and media channels.

Self-Fulfilling Stereotypes

Behavior reflecting stereotypes may reinforce those stereotypes, limiting opportunities for individuals to challenge false beliefs about them.

Racial Comparisons in Media

Black individuals are often belittled in media, reinforcing harmful stereotypes while neglecting achievements and contributions.

Societal Pressure on Women

Women face societal expectations to conform to an idealized body image, with media playing a significant role in perpetuating unrealistic standards.

Economic Inequality in Education

Economic status creates significant disparities in educational opportunities, leading to inequities among children.

Racial Disparities in the Prison System

The prison industrial complex disproportionately removes individuals from marginalized communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement.

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Description

This quiz focuses on key concepts from the Rothenberg reader regarding the social construction of race, class, gender, and sexuality. It includes important definitions and theoretical perspectives from prominent authors. Use these flashcards to deepen your understanding of how these social categories impact our lives and societies.