Understanding Human Differences

Book excerpt: This is the eBook of the printed book and may not include any media, website access codes, or print supplements that may come packaged with the bound book. This well-written, accessible, widely popular resource uses a stimulating inquiry approach to engage readers in discussion and debate around the most critical issues of diversity in America. Grounded in research from behavioral and social sciences–including education, psychology, history, sociology, biology, anthropology, women’s studies, and ethnic studies–the book uses the question and answer format to bring real meaning and understanding to the topics. The book’s conceptual framework focuses on culture, the individual, and institutions. The first section examines individual concerns, the second section describes the cultural/historical context, and the third section explores racism, classism, sexism, heterosexism, and ableism by addressing all three areas such as historical biases based on cultural norms, individual prejudices based on myths, misconceptions, and stereotypes about diverse groups, and how institutional discrimination advantages dominant group members and disadvantages oppressed groups. The last section focuses on changes already achieved or that need to be implemented in schools and other areas of society to create a more just society.