Lecture 2

Question 1

What is intersectionality?

Answer 1

Intersectionality is a concept coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, describing how various forms of inequality (e.g., race, gender, class) overlap and exacerbate one another.

Question 2

What is social stratification?

Answer 2

Refers to a system where people are ranked in a hierarchy, leading to unequal power, status, and resources.

Question 3

What does the matrix of domination describe?

Answer 3

Describes how intersecting systems of oppression, like racism and sexism, are interconnected and rooted in social stratification.

Question 4

What is the ADDRESSING model used for?

Answer 4

A framework for understanding how different aspects of identity (e.g., age, disability, race) intersect and contribute to privilege or oppression.

Question 5

What are the key aspects of privilege? (unqiue needs vary constantly)

Answer 5

1. Unearned entitlements: Access to benefits not shared by all.
2. Normality: Privileged groups are seen as normal or the “default”
3. Visibility: Marginalized groups are often invisible.
4. Conferred dominance: One group has assumed authority over others.

Question 6

What is prejudice ?

Answer 6

Refers to a negative attitude or judgment about someone based on their group membership (e.g., race, gender, etc.).

Question 7

What is discrimination?

Answer 7

Discrimination is when someone’s prejudice leads them to treat others unfairly because of their actual or perceived membership in a social group.

Question 8

What are the impacts of stereotypes? (3)

Answer 8

1. Internalization/self-stereotyping: We feel pressured to meet expected norms.
2. Doing gender: Social expectations shape how we act based on gender, affecting interactions.
3. Self-fulfilling prophecies: Stereotypes may influence major life choices (e.g., sex, parenting, career).
4. Stereotype threat: Fear of confirming stereotypes creates anxiety.

Question 9

What is ambivalent sexism?

Answer 9

Ambivalent sexism includes both hostility and benevolence towards women.

Question 10

What are the two forms of sexism?

Answer 10

The forms of sexism include hostile sexism (openly negative attitudes) and benevolent sexism (seemingly positive but still reinforcing inequality).

Question 11

What is conferred dominance?

Answer 11

Conferred dominance is when one social group is given more power over another because of society’s rules or systems.

Question 12

What are racist-sexist stereotypes?

Answer 12

Racist-sexist stereotypes combine racism and sexism, disproportionately affecting women of color with stereotypes like the “angry Black woman.”

Question 13

How do gendered language and speaking styles reinforce inequality?

Answer 13

• Gendered language reinforces gender binaries (e.g., “host” vs. “hostess”),
• Men tend to dominate conversations, while women often use more tentative speech patterns.

Question 14

What is gender essentialism?

Answer 14

Gender essentialism is the belief that men and women are fundamentally different due to biology or genetics, which is used to justify stereotypes and discrimination. Research shows men and women are more similar than different.

Question 15

What did Hyde’s 2005 meta-analysis reveal about gender differences?

Answer 15

Hyde’s meta-analysis revealed that most psychological gender differences are small or near zero, challenging the idea that men and women are fundamentally different in most areas.

Question 16

How does bias affect different stages of the research process?

Answer 16

Bias in research can occur through researcher assumptions, non-representative sampling, gendered measurement tools, and the preference for publishing findings that highlight gender differences.

Question 17

What are some ways to reduce bias in the research process?

Answer 17

1. Reflect on your own biases.
2. Think about participants’ identities and social context.
3. Avoid using only WEIRD samples; use diverse methods.
4. Value research done by marginalized groups.