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Chapter 6: Representation and Belonging in Social Systems

  • Page ID
    326620
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    Learning Objectives

    1. Reflect on the significance of representation, belonging, and equity in social institutions in your own experience and for contemporary families.
    2. Describe the purpose, evolution, changes, and challenges of the census in counting every person in the United States.
    3. Analyze how the formal decision-making process of voting affects families in the United States.
    4. Discuss the barriers families encounter in voting and participation in the social process.
    5. Analyze representation and belonging from an equity perspective with a focus on the feminist and Black Lives Matter movements.
    6. Apply theoretical concepts related to representation and belonging to one’s own observations and experiences.
    • 6.1: Chapter Reading Guide
      This page discusses belonging and representation in decision-making, emphasizing their importance for families and community involvement. It covers the history of social structures in the U.S., focusing on equity, the evolution of the census, and voting barriers. Perspectives from feminist and Black Lives Matter movements are incorporated, along with key terms related to these issues.
    • 6.2: Representation, Belonging, and Equity
      This page highlights the importance of representation in social institutions, particularly its effects on families and equitable outcomes. It examines formal and informal representation methods, noting the critical role of the U.S. Census in determining congressional representation and federal funding. Challenges such as undercounting marginalized populations and the influence of race are discussed, alongside the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • 6.3: Decision-Making and Power
      This page examines the complexities of voting in the U.S., addressing demographic trends in voter turnout, historical and contemporary challenges to voting rights, and innovations like vote-by-mail that encourage participation. It highlights socioeconomic barriers, disabilities, and felony convictions that impede access to voting, questioning the affordability of public service roles and the impacts of diverse representation on policy-making.
    • 6.4: Working Outside of the System- Social Movements and Activism
      This page explores the dynamics of social processes in the U.S., focusing on unequal representation and the role of social movements like feminism and Black Lives Matter in driving change. It highlights the contributions of marginalized groups, particularly Black women, and examines the impacts of historical events like WWII on social justice efforts. It discusses the limitations of the G.I.
    • 6.5: Looking Ahead- Looking Back to Martin Luther King Jr.
      This page discusses the efforts of marginalized individuals in the U.S. for equity and representation, focusing on the feminist movement and activism. It highlights Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech and recognizes Black leaders like Bubba Wallace and Kamala Harris for advancing representation. While progress is acknowledged, it emphasizes ongoing challenges. The page encourages reflection on personal social identities and the importance of representation within families.
    • 6.6: Going Deeper
      This page offers resources on representation and belonging, including further readings, reflective questions, and key terms. It highlights the U.S. Census, challenges in representation, methods to enhance representation for underrepresented families, and the link between representation and equity. An activity encourages analysis of social identities and belonging, accompanied by relevant video content.


    This page titled Chapter 6: Representation and Belonging in Social Systems is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Elizabeth B. Pearce (OpenOregon) .