5-1 Discussion Understanding Inequality Race, Ethnicity, and Gender

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Feb 20, 2024

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Describe the difference between individual and institutional discrimination. Then provide a specific example of institutional discrimination (also known as systematic inequality) from current events. Your example may be based on either race or gender, using a local or national news source. In response to your peers, discuss how these inequalities are reproduced. In other words, explain why you think this inequality continues to happen in our society. To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric . Individual discrimination refers to the unjust and biased treatment of an individual by another person solely based on their race, gender, or ethnicity. Ferris states, “Individual discrimination (sometimes referred to as individual or interpersonal racism) occurs when one person treats others unfairly because of their race or ethnicity.” (Ferris, 2022) Unfortunately, today, individual discrimination remains prevalent due to a lack of empathy, compassion, and understanding towards the diverse community we live in. One distressing example of individual discrimination is gender-related discrimination. Discrimination based on gender can take various forms, including the unfair practice of paying women less than their male counterparts who have the same qualifications and experience. This type of discrimination is prevalent in many workplaces and can have a significant impact on women's financial stability and career growth. Women are often subjected to discrimination in certain industries, such as factories, where they are perceived as weaker than men. This stereotype not only limits women's job opportunities but also reinforces gender inequality in the workplace. It is crucial to challenge such biases and promote equal opportunities for all genders Institutional discrimination refers to the occurrence of discrimination within an institution, whether it be a school or on a larger scale. Ferris states, “Institutional discrimination (sometimes referred to as systemic discrimination or systemic or institutional racism), in contrast, is more systematic and widespread and occurs when institutions (such as government agencies, schools, or banks) practice discriminatory policies that affect whole groups.” (Ferris, 2022) This type of discrimination is often prevalent and can be attributed to communities or areas that are resistant to accepting individuals of different races or gender identities. The spotlight is currently on Massachusetts for its school system's institutional discrimination, as reported in the news. Despite the appearance of diversity, the breakdown of different racial percentages exposes the continued segregation within
the schools. Laura Camera states, “"On the surface, it is diverse," he says about the 16,000-student school district, where 42% of students are Hispanic, 37% are white, 11% are Black and 23% of families live below the federal poverty line. "But our schools are actually highly segregated. To get people to see that and be able to change that would be a huge accomplishment."(Camera, 2021) This was brought to light during the pandemic and shows the need for more diversity within their school systems. Camera states, “ As the Biden administration takes aim at systemic racism and manages a pandemic that exposed racial fault lines in education, some see a chance to attack an intractable problem: school segregation.” (Camera, 2021) The absence of diversity leads to individuals being targeted and facing increased discrimination, often resulting in differential treatment by school faculty and staff. Consequently, this negatively impacts their prospects of success, including access to higher education and employment opportunities. Moreover, it perpetuates the notion among students of different races that unequal treatment is acceptable. The lack of understanding and the presence of segregation and institutional discrimination further exacerbate this issue within society. America’s Lingering Problem With School Segregation (usnews.com) Camera, L. (2021, June 7). America’s lingering problem with school segregation . USnews.com. https://www.usnews.com/news/education-news/articles/2021-06-07/americas-lingering- problem-with-school-segregation Ferris, K., Stein, J. (2022-07-01). The Real World, 8th Edition. [[VitalSource Bookshelf version]]. Retrieved from vbk://9780393887211
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