SSE – 110 Introduction to Social Welfare and Social Work Chapter 12 Racism, etc and Social Justice

Ethnic Groups and Ethnocentrism Ethnic group – see the definition on page 380. Ethnocentrism – an orientation or set of beliefs that holds one’s own culture, ethnic or racial group, or nation is superior to others.

Race and Racism A race is believed to have a common set of characteristics. Japanese Americans are seen as an ethnic group and as a race. (common physical characteristics and also a sense of people hood). Racism is “stereotyping and generalizing about people, usually negatively because of their race.

Prejudice, Discrimination and Oppression All acts of oppression are also acts of discrimination. Racial and ethnic stereotypes. Racial and ethnic stereotypes involve attributing an affixed and usually inaccurate or unfavorable conception to a racial or ethnic group. Racial stereotypes involve differentiating people in terms of color or other physical characteristics (African Americans have a natural ability to play basketball). Our country has always discriminated against minorities. Race as a social concept. Individual racism – individual acts of racism.

Prejudice, Discrimination and Oppression Institutional racism – those policies, practices, and procedures embedded in the major institutions (law, court, etc) of our society discriminate against persons of color (see examples on page 386). Causes of racial discrimination and oppression: 1.Projection 2.Frustration / Aggression 3.Insecurity and Inferiority 4.Authoritarianism 5.History 6.Competition and Exploitation 7.Socialization patterns

Prejudice, Discrimination and Oppression Belief in “The One True Religion”. The eye of the beholder. The Effects and Costs of Discrimination and Oppression Discrimination is a barrier to people reaching their potentials. Discrimination also has heavy psychological costs. The effects of discrimination are even reflected in life expectancy. (nonwhites die earlier due to inferior health care, food and shelter).

Backgrounds of Racial Groups 1. African Americans (See exhibit 12.1) Larger middle class today Strengths of the African American Family (see p. 395). 2. Latinos Mexican Americans are the largest group (66.1%) – Southwest. Puerto Ricans (New York) Cubans (Florida)

Backgrounds of Racial Groups 3. Native Americans Reservations 1978 – Indian Child Welfare Act (see pages ) 4. Asian Americans Japanese Americans Chinese Americans

Strategies for Advancing Social and Economic Justice Mass media appeals Greater interaction among the races Activism ( see Rosa Parks – Case Example – 12.1) School busing Affirmative action program Confrontation of the problems in the inner cities Grassroots organizations

Ethnic-Sensitive Social Work Practice Empowerment Strengths perspective Culturally competent practice The future of American race and ethnic relations