Theory and Race/Ethnicity

Writing the Rules 1) Birthday Party illustrates what? 2) What is Power? In Seneca power equals. In Western Societies, power is:

Writing the Rules 2) Three types of Power Over A) Winner takes all B) Create rules that help some and hurt others. Person who controls the rules, controls who wins C) Create a cultural narrative that justifies the rules: “Cultural Mythology”

Critique of Power Over 1) Cultural Mythology hides that other types of power exist and so essentializes hierarchy 2) Given that there are always winners and losers, social categories must exist to justify why one group has more power than another 3) If “outsiders” are allowed to win, they are the “exception” and are socialized to not question, even though they will never fit in with “insiders.” Further, “inside-outsiders” help create divide and conquer. If everyone wants to get ahead but there are only a few spots, then outsiders must be MORE insider than the “insiders.”

Example of Power Over and Power With 1) Example of Kmart Pulpit Forum and The Union

Resistance to Power Over 1) Re-conceptualize discussions about power over Question essentialism Focus on process vs outcome (because outcome is only a process) 2) Share Power and emphasize human agency Define problems locally from perspective of diverse stakeholders; participation requires diverse people because of diverse perspectives 3) Confront race and class hierarchies