Posted: June 14th, 2023

Examine social constructionist theory

Week 6 Discussion Questions

Include your last name in the subject title and separate your answer into paragraphs with spaces between them. Be sure to cite page numbers for sources (direct quotes are also helpful). Remember to read your classmates’ posts and respond to two of them. In addition, you may answer follow-up discussion questions. Be sure to use multiple paragraphs for each answer and cite sources with page numbers.

Your discussion posts are due the following Monday by 11:59p.m.

Questions:

(1) Examine social constructionist theory, use the theory to develop a convincing argument that social inequality is socially constructed.

(2) Discuss the impact of race, gender, and socioeconomic status on physical and psychological health.

(3) Discuss the racial inequality as portrayed in the film ‘Crash.
(1) Social constructionist theory asserts that social reality is created through the interactions of individuals and that social phenomena, including inequality, are constructed through these interactions. This theory suggests that social inequality is not inevitable but rather a result of social construction. Social inequality is created through the socialization process, where people are taught to accept certain beliefs, values, and norms that perpetuate inequality. For instance, the belief that certain races or genders are superior or inferior to others is a socially constructed belief that perpetuates social inequality. Therefore, social inequality is not a natural or innate condition but rather a product of social interactions.

Social constructionism also emphasizes the role of power in shaping social reality. Those with power, such as government officials or corporate leaders, have the ability to shape social norms and values to their advantage, perpetuating their dominance over others. For instance, policies that discriminate against certain groups or unequal access to resources and opportunities can further entrench social inequality. Social inequality is therefore a result of power imbalances and the ability of those in power to shape social reality.

Furthermore, social constructionism suggests that social inequality is not fixed but can change through collective action. Through social movements and activism, people can challenge
existing social norms and values and work towards creating a more equal society. This can involve questioning and challenging the beliefs and values that perpetuate inequality and advocating for policies and practices that promote equality. For example, the Civil Rights Movement challenged the belief in white supremacy and fought for equal rights for African Americans, ultimately leading to the end of legal segregation and the passing of civil rights laws.

(2) Race, gender, and socioeconomic status have significant impacts on physical and psychological health. Studies have consistently shown that people from marginalized groups, such as racial minorities and those with lower socioeconomic status, experience worse health outcomes than those who are more privileged. For example, African Americans and Hispanic Americans are more likely to experience chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, and have higher mortality rates than white Americans (Williams & Mohammed, 2009). This is due to a variety of factors, including discrimination and inequality in access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Similarly, gender plays a role in health outcomes, with women experiencing higher rates of depression and anxiety than men (Kuehn, 2011). This is due in part to gender-based discrimination and unequal access to resources and opportunities, as well as societal expectations and stereotypes about women’s roles and behaviors.

Socioeconomic status is also a key factor in health outcomes. Those with lower socioeconomic status have higher rates of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and mortality than those with higher socioeconomic status (Adler & Rehkopf, 2008). This is due to factors such as limited access to healthcare, education, and healthy food options, as well as exposure to environmental hazards and stressors.

(3) The film ‘Crash’ portrays racial inequality in several ways, including through the interactions between the characters and the ways in which race shapes their experiences and perspectives. One example of this is the character of Officer Ryan, who is shown to be a racist and abusive police officer. He stops an African American couple, Cameron and Christine, for no apparent reason and sexually assaults Christine during a pat-down. This scene highlights the ways in which police brutality and racial profiling can lead to violence and trauma for people of color.

The film also depicts the experiences of a wealthy white couple, Rick and Jean, who are carjacked by two African American men. While the carjacking is a traumatic experience for the couple, it is also portrayed as a result of the economic and social inequality that exists in society. The two men who carjack them, Anthony and Peter, are shown to be struggling financially and unable to find legitimate employment. The film suggests that their actions are a result of desperation and a lack of opportunities, rather than a reflection of their race or character.

The film ‘Crash’ portrays racial inequality as a complex and multifaceted issue that is shaped by a variety of factors, including economic and social inequality, discrimination, and stereotypes. It highlights the ways in which race intersects with other aspects of identity, such as gender and socioeconomic status, to shape people’s experiences and opportunities.