The Consequences Of Stereotypes As Explanations For Discrimination In The Classroom And The Workplace

Why do various racial, ethnic, religious, and gender groups differ in academic and job performance? Standard explanations for these disparities typically invoke either biological or socialization perspectives. The research summarized in this book, however, suggests that subtle reminders of cultural stereotypes play a critical yet underappreciated role in interfering with intellectual performance and in creating an illusion of group differences in ability.

This volume presents a contemporary and comprehensive overview of the great diversity of theoretical interests, new ideas, and practical applications that characterize social psychological approaches to stereotyping and prejudice. All the contributions are written by renowned scholars in the field, with some chapters focusing on fundamental principles, including research questions about the brain structures that help us categorize and judge others, the role of evolution in prejudice, and how prejudice relates to language, communication, and social norms. Several chapters review a new dimension that has frequently been understudied—the role of the social context in creating stereotypes and prejudice. Another set of chapters focuses on applications, particularly how stereotypes and prejudice really matter in everyday life. These chapters include studies of their impact on academic performance, their role in small group processes, and their influence on everyday social interactions. The volume provides an essential resource for students, instructors, and researchers in social and personality psychology, and is also an invaluable reference for academics and professionals in related fields who have an interest in the origins and effects of stereotyping and prejudice.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Work is a comprehensive, accessible text focusing on DEI and how they influence employees’ access to work, their experiences in the workplace, and the outcomes for teams and organizations. The book examines the differences in opportunities and experiences among different groups as well as the ways managers can create more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. The book takes a multilevel approach and breaks down the issues to consider the micro-, meso-, and macro-level factors of DEI. The book is structured around three parts. The first section offers an overview of the foundations of DEI, including an overview and its relevance for aspiring managers, theoretical tenets of diversity, research in the area, and the constructs of bias. In the second section, the author examines the various forms of diversity, including race, gender, age, disability, appearance, sexual orientation and gender identity, religion, and social class. The final part supports the reader in thinking through strategies for reducing bias, creating diverse and inclusive workplaces, and ways organizations can impact the DEI in their communities. Pedagogical features include the following: ■ DEI at Work cases to open each chapter ■ DEI in Practice to connect theory to real-life examples ■ Different Point of View boxes to present alternative perspectives ■ Expert Perspectives to hear from professionals in the field ■ Further reading and web resources to take extended learning opportunities ■ Review questions to test knowledge

Many racial and ethnic groups in the United States, including blacks, Hispanics, Asians, American Indians, and others, have historically faced severe discriminationâ€"pervasive and open denial of civil, social, political, educational, and economic opportunities. Today, large differences among racial and ethnic groups continue to exist in employment, income and wealth, housing, education, criminal justice, health, and other areas. While many factors may contribute to such differences, their size and extent suggest that various forms of discriminatory treatment persist in U.S. society and serve to undercut the achievement of equal opportunity. Measuring Racial Discrimination considers the definition of race and racial discrimination, reviews the existing techniques used to measure racial discrimination, and identifies new tools and areas for future research. The book conducts a thorough evaluation of current methodologies for a wide range of circumstances in which racial discrimination may occur, and makes recommendations on how to better assess the presence and effects of discrimination.

Long regarded as a powerful means to seek individual damages against a corporate defendant, class actions have become a staple of the U.S. litigation system. In recent years, however, several highly significant Supreme Court decisions have weakened the commonality claims of defendants, particularly in workplace discrimination actions. In light of this background, the trends and prospects of employment class actions were the theme of the 56th annual proceedings of the prestigious New York University Conference on Labor, held in May 2003. This important volume reprints the papers presented at that conference, as well as some additional contributions. Among the considerable expertise brought to bear on this controversial subject, readers will find insightful analysis of such issues as the following: Effect of class actions on losing companies; Importance of class actions to Title VII enforcement; Obstacles to class litigation; Compliance and internal enforcement challenges for large employers; Opt-in vs. opt-out alternatives for class members; Value and effectiveness of pattern or practice test cases; Legal limits of group identity; Shifting of the burden of proof; Authority of arbitrators to proceed on a class wide basis; and Countering statistical claims of expert witnesses. Because class actions are based on tension – that between commonality and individuation – they tend to accumulate precedent along a spectrum from disconnected disparity to meaningful resolution. In this deeply informed and thought-provoking book, lawyers and academics concerned with both the interests of employers and of employees will proceed with increased awareness as they work on reconciling the practical and theoretical constraints of class litigation.