Race, Class, and Gender in the United States: An Integrated Study - A Comprehensive and Engaging Anthology PDF
Race, Class, and Gender in the United States: An Integrated Study
If you are looking for a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the complex issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality in the United States, you might want to check out this book by Paula S. Rothenberg and Christina Hsu Accomando. Race, Class, and Gender in the United States: An Integrated Study is a best-selling anthology that explores concepts of identity, diversity, and inequality through a variety of readings from academic sources, personal narratives, media articles, legal documents, and more. The book is divided into ten parts that cover different aspects of race, class, gender, and sexuality in the U.S., from their social construction to their economic implications to their legal history to their cultural representation. The book also features new material that reflects the current social and political climate in the U.S., such as writings from the founders and leaders of key contemporary social movements (Tarana Burke on the metoo movement; Alicia Garza on Black Lives Matter; Chief Arvol Looking Horse on Standing Rock; and Gaby Pacheco on the Dreamers) . In this article, we will give you an overview of each part of the book and some of the key readings that illustrate its main themes.
race class and gender in the united states 9th edition pdf download
The Social Construction of Difference: Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality
The first part of the book introduces the idea that race, class, gender, and sexuality are not natural or biological categories, but rather social constructs that are created and maintained by human beings through various social institutions and practices. The readings in this part challenge the common sense assumptions and stereotypes that we often hold about these categories, and show how they are influenced by historical, cultural, and political factors. For example, one reading by Michael Omi and Howard Winant explains how race is a concept that has changed over time and across contexts, depending on who defines it and for what purpose . Another reading by Jonathan Ned Katz traces how heterosexuality was invented as a normative sexual identity in the late nineteenth century, and how it has been used to regulate and discipline other forms of sexuality . A third reading by Judith Lorber argues that gender is a process that involves the constant performance and reinforcement of masculine and feminine roles and expectations .
Understanding Racism, Sexism, Heterosexism, and Class Privilege
The second part of the book examines the historical and contemporary forms of oppression and privilege based on race, gender, sexuality, and class in the U.S. The readings in this part expose the systemic and structural nature of these forms of domination and subordination, and how they affect the lives and opportunities of different groups of people. For example, one reading by Michelle Alexander analyzes how mass incarceration has become a new form of racial control and caste system in the U.S., targeting primarily black and brown men and stripping them of their basic rights and citizenship . Another reading by Peggy McIntosh reflects on the invisible advantages and benefits that white people enjoy in a society that is structured by white supremacy . A third reading by Allan G. Johnson explores how sexism operates as a system of male privilege and female disadvantage, and how it is intertwined with other forms of oppression such as racism, classism, and heterosexism .
Complicating Questions of Identity: Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration
The third part of the book explores the diversity and complexity of racial and ethnic identities and experiences in the U.S. The readings in this part challenge the simplistic and essentialist notions of race and ethnicity that often ignore the variations and intersections within and across groups. For example, one reading by Aviva Chomsky examines how the concept of "illegal" immigration is a social construct that is based on racialized assumptions and policies . Another reading by Moustafa Bayoumi shares the stories of young Arab Americans who face discrimination and stereotyping in the aftermath of 9/11 . A third reading by Jennifer L. Hochschild and Vesla M. Weaver discusses how black Americans have different perspectives on their racial identity and political views depending on their class background .
Discrimination in Everyday Life
The fourth part of the book illustrates the subtle and overt ways that discrimination affects individuals and groups in various domains of life, such as education, health care, housing, employment, media, and culture. The readings in this part reveal how discrimination can take various forms, such as microaggressions, implicit bias, stereotype threat, tokenism, colorism, cultural appropriation, hate crimes, and violence. For example, one reading by Claude M. Steele explains how negative stereotypes can undermine the performance and self-esteem of marginalized groups in academic settings . Another reading by Beverly Daniel Tatum discusses how racism can affect the psychological development and identity formation of children and adolescents . A third reading by Patricia Hill Collins analyzes how black women are portrayed in popular culture as either mammies, matriarchs, welfare queens, or jezebels .
The Economics of Race, Class, and Gender
The fifth part of the book examines the structural and systemic inequalities that shape the distribution of wealth, income, and opportunities in the U.S. The readings in this part show how race, class, gender, and sexuality are closely linked to economic status and power, and how they affect the access to and quality of resources, services, and institutions. For example, one reading by Barbara Ehrenreich and John Ehrenreich debunks the myth of the middle class and exposes the reality of the professional-managerial class that serves the interests of the capitalist class . Another reading by Meizhu Lui et al. compares the racial wealth gap between white households and households of color, and explains how it is rooted in historical policies and practices that favored whites . A third reading by Nancy Folbre et al. explores how gender affects the division of labor, the valuation of work, and the compensation of workers .
Many Voices, Many Lives: Issues of Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality in Everyday Life
The sixth part of the book presents the personal narratives and testimonies of people from different backgrounds and perspectives on how race, class, gender, and sexuality shape their lives. The readings in this part offer a glimpse into the lived experiences, challenges, struggles, joys, and hopes of people who belong to various social groups. For example, Díaz shares his story of growing up as an immigrant from the Dominican Republic in New Jersey, and how he faced racism, poverty, violence, and isolation . Another reading by Audre Lorde describes her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer, and how she coped with the loss of her breast and her identity as a black lesbian feminist . A third reading by Richard Rodriguez reflects on his relationship with his parents, who were Mexican immigrants, and how he became a "scholarship boy" who assimilated to the dominant culture .
How It Happened: Race and Gender Issues in U.S. Law
The seventh part of the book examines the legal history and current status of civil rights and social justice movements in the U.S. The readings in this part trace how laws and policies have shaped and been shaped by the struggles of various groups for equality and recognition. For example, one reading by Kimberlé Crenshaw analyzes how the intersectionality of race and gender affects the legal protection and representation of black women who face multiple forms of discrimination . Another reading by Ian F. Haney López explains how the concept of "whiteness" has been defined and redefined by court decisions that granted or denied citizenship to different racial groups . A third reading by Dean Spade discusses how the law fails to address the needs and rights of transgender people who face violence, harassment, and discrimination .
Maintaining Race, Class, and Gender Hierarchies: Reproducing "Reality"
The eighth part of the book explores the cultural and ideological mechanisms that reinforce and legitimize the existing social order. The readings in this part show how various forms of media, education, religion, science, and language create and maintain dominant narratives and representations that justify and naturalize inequality and oppression. For example, one reading by bell hooks critiques how Hollywood films perpetuate racist and sexist stereotypes and fantasies that undermine the agency and dignity of black women . Another reading by Eduardo Bonilla-Silva exposes how color-blind racism operates as a new ideology that denies the reality of racial discrimination and blames people of color for their own problems . A third reading by Lisa Wade and Myra Marx Ferree examines how gender is constructed and performed through toys, clothing, and other consumer products that reinforce binary and heteronormative expectations .
Social Change: Revisioning the Future and Making a Difference
The ninth part of the book addresses the challenges and possibilities of creating a more equitable and inclusive society. The readings in this part highlight the efforts and achievements of various individuals and groups who have challenged the status quo and advocated for social change. For example, one reading by Tarana Burke recounts how she founded the metoo movement to empower survivors of sexual violence and to end rape culture . Another reading by Alicia Garza explains how she co-created Black Lives Matter as a global network of activists who fight for racial justice and human rights . A third reading by Chief Arvol Looking Horse calls for solidarity and action to protect the sacred land and water of Standing Rock from the Dakota Access Pipeline .
Conclusion
In conclusion, Race, Class, and Gender in the United States: An Integrated Study is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the complex issues of identity, diversity, and inequality in the U.S. The book offers a rich and diverse collection of readings that cover various aspects of race, class, gender, and sexuality in the U.S., from their social construction to their economic implications to their legal history to their cultural representation. The book also features new material that reflects the current social and political climate in the U.S., such as writings from the founders and leaders of key contemporary social movements. The book is not only informative but also engaging, as it invites readers to think critically about their own assumptions and experiences, and to participate in dialogues and actions that can make a difference.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of this book?
The main purpose of this book is to explore concepts of identity, diversity, and inequality as it introduces students to race, class, gender, and sexuality in the United States.
Who are the authors of this book?
The authors of this book are Paula S. Rothenberg and Christina Hsu Accomando. Paula S. Rothenberg is a senior fellow at The Murphy Institute at City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center and the founding director of The New Jersey Project on Inclusive Scholarship, Curriculum, and Teaching. Christina Hsu Accomando is a professor of English and Critical Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Humboldt State University.
What are some of the new readings in the 10th edition of this book?
Some of the new readings in the 10th edition of this book are writings from the founders and leaders of key contemporary social movements, such as Tarana Burke on the metoo movement; Alicia Garza on Black Lives Matter; Chief Arvol Looking Horse on Standing Rock; and Gaby Pacheco on the Dreamers.
How is this book organized?
This book is organized into ten parts that cover different aspects of race, class, gender, and sexuality in the U.S., from their social construction to their economic implications to their legal history to their cultural representation. Each part consists of several readings that illustrate the main themes and arguments of the part.
How can this book be used in a classroom setting?
This book can be used in a classroom setting as a textbook for courses on race, class, gender, and sexuality in the U.S., or as a supplementary material for courses on sociology, history, politics, culture, or education. The book can also be used as a catalyst for sparking lively class discussions on various topics and issues related to race, class, gender, and sexuality in the U.S., and for encouraging students to think critically and creatively about their own identities and experiences.
71b2f0854b