Ethnicity

Definition Shared pattern of characteristics such as cultural heritage, nationality, race, religion, and language. Full of bias and discrimination all over the world.

Ethnicity ≠ Race Race refers to the classification of people or other living things according to specific physiological characteristics. It is no longer recognized as an authentic scientific concept because of the diversity of people. Social Psychologist James Jones points out that thinking in racial terms has become embedded in most cultures. ◦ People often stereotype others because of their supposed race and inappropriately classify them as being more or less intelligent, competent, responsible, or socially acceptable on the basis.

Ethnicity and Schools Educational segregation is still a reality for children of color in the United States. School experiences of students of different ethnic groups differ in other ways. Schools of students from ethnic minority backgrounds have fewer resources.

Diversity and Differences Recognizing and respecting the differences among other cultures is an important aspect of getting along in a diverse, multicultural world. When differences are emphasized between ethnic minority groups and the White majority, it’s the ethnic minority groups who take the damage.

Bilingual education Teaches academic subjects to immigrant children in their native language while slowly teaching English. Helps children from ethnic minority groups learn to properly speak English. Immigrant children vary in their ability to learn English. ◦ Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have more difficulty than those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds.

Multicultural Education Values diversity and includes the perspectives of a variety of cultural groups on a regular basis. Goal: equal educational opportunities for all students. Includes issues related to socioeconomic status, ethnicity and gender. Prejudice reduction and equity pedagogy are core components.

Critical thinking and emotional intelligence ◦ Thinking critically and deeply about interethnic relations can decrease prejudice and stereotyping of others. ◦ Learn to ask questions, think first before responding, and delay judgment until information is complete. ◦ Emotional intelligence skills can help students’ interethnic relations.

Increase Tolerance!!!