Week 3 Discussion 1 - Chapter 9 : Social Construction of Race

Social Science - Sociology HOMEWORK

WEEK 3 DISCUSSION1 INSTRUCTIONS

Chapter 9 Discussion

Chapter 9 Discussion: Social Construction of Race

This week, we are examining race as socially constructed. This assignment asks you to do a few things:

1. First, complete the implicit bias activity, clicking 'launch' and then 'Continue as Guest' at  pbslearningmedia.org/resource/ilpov18-soc-il-ilbias/who-me-biased-understanding-implicit-bias/  (You are  not  asked to submit an essay to PBS at the end of the module. Just take notes on what precedes).

2. Next, watch this documentary, "A Class Divided" about Jane Elliot's experiment, which can be found here:  https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/class-divided/   (copy and paste the link if it is not working). Take notes.

3. Drawing from the textbook and the two items above, consider the following in your discussion: What is the definition of race, according to our textbook? What does it mean when sociologists say that race is socially constructed? Using examples from either/both from the activity and video above, consider how ideas about race may be reinforced in our society.