Course Description
The diverse social and political contexts of our society affect the socialization of the individual and his/her understanding of human development. This class examines attitudes toward gender, class, race/ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation, along with the historical contexts within which specific theories of human development were created. Students are challenged to examine these influences on their own growth and perceptions of human behavior, to define their personal ethics within the context of contemporary society, and to search for creative professional responses to inequality and bias. A variety of methods, including experiential activities, small group discussion, weekly writing, reading, and mini-lectures are utilized.
Required Reading
Reflection
HD361, Social & Political Contexts of Human Development, was one of my favorite courses because the assignments and class discussions were so relevant to the issues that we are facing in todays society. I looked forward to the weekly discussions with my peers because people were so open with sharing their own personal experiences and it made me comfortable voicing my opinions, even when others did not agree.
This class opened my eyes even more to issues involving, white privilege, classism, and gender issues in America. I talk about these issues not only with my peers but friends and family because I was so interested in everyone’s opinions on these topics. I loved sharing articles, videos and prompting questions with the group each week. During our check-in for week five, I asked the group the following question, “Do you think that classism will become the new racism?” I feel that I contributed great talking points for our group and I will continue to exam social and political issues in order to get people talking and thinking.
Artifacts
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Mellody Hobson: Color blind or color brave?
The subject of race can be very touchy. As finance executive Mellody Hobson says, it's a "conversational third rail." But, she says, that's exactly why we need to start talking about it. In this engaging, persuasive talk, Hobson makes the case that speaking openly about race — and particularly about diversity in hiring — makes for better businesses and a better society. |
Week 5 Check-In
I asked my peers the following question:
I asked my peers the following question:
Do you think that classism will become the new racism?
Michael Waite Mar 30, 2015
"I think classism will outlast racism. As long as our society is built on commerce, we will maintain a class system. I also think it will be more and more difficult to break into an upper class. I read once that in 100 years there will essentially be two groups of people, because of trends in breeding. One race will be super good-looking and super intelligent. The other, little troll like people with limited brain capacity. Sounds like the ultimate in class distinction and also impossible to switch classes."
Valentina Cisneros Mar 29, 2015
"Hi Jennifer,
To answer your question I think that classism becoming the next racism is already happening. I agree that there will always be some type of racism but personally I don't think that class will be able to be bigger then racism over skin color because people can fake a social class when they can't truly fake a skin color, even if they put tons of make-up on to cover their skin its not possible. Social class being faked makes it harder to discriminate against since you can only really know someone's social class if they are extremely poor and possibly living on the street or you actually know the person. Sadly racism is passed down from generation to generation and doesn't end until the new generation decides to go against the grain. I hope that all racism one day can become a thing of the past and 200 years from now the generation can think we are crazy as a society to still have people that judge off of skin color, culture, sexual orientation, etc. Great question, you got me thinking. :)"
"Hi Jennifer,
To answer your question I think that classism becoming the next racism is already happening. I agree that there will always be some type of racism but personally I don't think that class will be able to be bigger then racism over skin color because people can fake a social class when they can't truly fake a skin color, even if they put tons of make-up on to cover their skin its not possible. Social class being faked makes it harder to discriminate against since you can only really know someone's social class if they are extremely poor and possibly living on the street or you actually know the person. Sadly racism is passed down from generation to generation and doesn't end until the new generation decides to go against the grain. I hope that all racism one day can become a thing of the past and 200 years from now the generation can think we are crazy as a society to still have people that judge off of skin color, culture, sexual orientation, etc. Great question, you got me thinking. :)"
Rayline Anderson Mar 30, 2015
"Such an interesting question. I agree with what Valentina said. You can fake a class, however race is always going to be in your face. However, with everyone becoming mixed, I agree that soon we will all be one color, and such a beautiful race too. I think mixed children are so beautiful!!"
"Such an interesting question. I agree with what Valentina said. You can fake a class, however race is always going to be in your face. However, with everyone becoming mixed, I agree that soon we will all be one color, and such a beautiful race too. I think mixed children are so beautiful!!"
Tynisha Knox Mar 30, 2015
"Hi Jennifer,
This is a very interesting question, regardless of classism being the new racism. I believe that racism will always be here, and it may not be as it was years ago, but it will always be among us. But I do believe that class is becoming the new way of keeping us separate based upon your class status, that differs from one another. However, I do not believe that it will take over racism. Thanks for sharing the statement really made me think."
"Hi Jennifer,
This is a very interesting question, regardless of classism being the new racism. I believe that racism will always be here, and it may not be as it was years ago, but it will always be among us. But I do believe that class is becoming the new way of keeping us separate based upon your class status, that differs from one another. However, I do not believe that it will take over racism. Thanks for sharing the statement really made me think."