M9: Racialization

Question 1

What is ‘Race’?

Answer 1

“A term without scientific basis that uses skin colour and facial features to describe allegedly biologically distinct groups of humans. It is a social construction that is used to categorize groups of people and usually implies assumed (and unproven) intellectual superiority or inferiority.”

Question 2

What is ‘Racialization’?

Answer 2

“The social process by which racial categories are constructed as real, different, and unequal in ways that have social, economic, and political consequences”

• The term ‘racialized groups’ (as opposed to ‘race’) preferred by some because it emphasizes the fact that race is a socially constructed concept
• Use the term ‘racialized’ to indicate that this is something done to individuals and groups

Question 3

What is ‘Ethnicity’?

Answer 3

“a shared cultural background and individuals who interact with each other on the basis of shared cultural identity & practices”

• In practice, it often refers only to immigrants from non western backgrounds (and are not white)
• Goes beyond skin colour and facial features, and takes into account cultural background and heritage

Question 4

5th Sociological Theory:

What are Human Rights and Anti-Racism Perspectives?

Answer 4

Research and social action that focus “on addressing health inequities at the local and global level”

Used to research/better understand the experiences of racialized groups

• Premise: Health considered a basic human right
• Poor health = “exclusion and loss of human rights”
• Emphasis on activism + promotion of inclusion and equity

Question 5

What are Human Rights and Anti-Racism Perspectives based on?

Answer 5

• Growing body of scholarship from various “critical” sociological
  traditions – particularly critical feminist studies – that centre their analysis on race-based relations, racism and processes of
  racialization
• Some key theorists include Derrick Bell (Critical Race Theory), Kimberlé Crenshaw (Intersectionality)
• Strongly based on work by activists, including Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and social and civil rights movements

Question 6

What are Assumptions of Human Rights and Anti-Racism Perspectives?

Answer 6

1. ‘Race’ is a socio-political construction by which dominant groups exercise power and control over racialized ‘others’
2. Eliminating racism (i.e. actively engaging in anti-racist practices) is central to achieving health equity
3. Race intersects with other social and cultural forces (see work of Black feminist Patricia Hill Collins on ‘interlocking oppression’ – p. 43)

Question 7

Key Concept#1

What is Social Exclusion?

Answer 7

• “A process whereby some groups in society are denied access to material and social resources, thereby excluding their full participation in society. It produces inequality in outcomes”
• People experience exclusion on the basis different social locations – age, ability, class, gender, race, sexual orientation, etc.
• Excluded groups/people suffer negative impacts on their health and well-being (amongst other things).

Question 8

Key Concept#2:

What is racism?

Answer 8

• “…a set of false beliefs that one racial group is naturally superior to another group based on biological differences. It perpetuates notions of cultural superiority and inferiority and is one basis for social exclusion and discriminatory practices against a group of people because of their physical and cultural characteristics”
• a pathway by which some people experience social exclusion, prejudice and discrimination

Question 9

Key Concept#2: Racism

What is Prejudice?

Answer 9

preconceived opinions about someone that are not based on evidence or experience (e.g., stereotypes)

Question 10

Key Concept#2: Racism

What is Discrimination

Answer 10

systematic and systemic exclusion through policies and everyday practices, which collectively limit people’s access to opportunities to resources

Question 11

What are the 4 Levels of Racism?

Answer 11

watch lecture 44 Minute Mark

Question 12

What are Members of Racialized Groups in Canada more likely to be?

Answer 12

• Poor and homeless
• Unemployed or employed in risky or low paying jobs
• Living in neighbourhoods with fewer health & social services.

Question 13

Racism and Health

What are the 6 pathways to poorer health?

Answer 13

1. Economic and social deprivation
2. Toxic substances and hazardous conditions
3. Discrimination and socially inflicted trauma
4. Targeted marketing of harmful commodities
5. Inadequate or degrading medical care
6. Degradation of ecosystems