9.7: Critical Thinking Questions

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Jennifer Hasty, David G. Lewis, & Marjorie M. Snipes
OpenStax

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Name two situations impacted by social inequality that you have personally experienced. In each of these situations, did you consider yourself to be in the position of more or less power?
The “American Dream” is a pervasive ideology in the United States. What is the role of social mobility in this ideology? To what extend do you think that systems of inequality restrict people’s ability to achieve the American Dream?
Did you ever take a standardized test for admission to a school, undergraduate program, or graduate program? What kinds of inequities might these types of tests reinforce?
What social class do you think your family occupies? What are three ways you would describe that social class? Are they economic, social, racial, gendered?
Have you ever filled out a form that asks you what your race or ethnicity is, perhaps for a college application or at the doctor’s office? What categories do you recall? Do you ever question these categories? Are you ever conflicted about these categories?
What are some examples of necropolitics that you can see in your everyday life experiences?
How does accumulated wealth create systems of social inequality?
What are some examples of hegemony that you can think of in your culture?
Have you seen diversity, equity, and inclusion practices gain popularity at your institution? Discuss the reasons a campus might need these practices, as well as who benefits from them.