👨🏽‍🤝‍👨🏾Intro to Community Psychology Unit 3 – Diversity and Marginalization

What's This Unit All About?

• Explores the concepts of diversity, marginalization, and their impacts on communities
• Examines historical context and systemic factors contributing to marginalization
• Identifies various types of diversity (racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, ability, etc.)
• Discusses the consequences of marginalization on individuals and communities
  • Includes health disparities, limited access to resources, and social exclusion
• Introduces theories and frameworks for understanding and addressing marginalization
• Provides real-world examples of marginalized communities and their experiences
• Explores strategies for promoting inclusion, equity, and social justice

Key Terms and Concepts

• Diversity: The presence of differences within a given setting, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or socioeconomic status
• Marginalization: The process of pushing a particular group or groups of people to the edge of society by not allowing them an active voice, identity, or place in it
• Intersectionality: The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage
• Oppression: The systematic mistreatment, exploitation, and abuse of a group or groups of people by those in power
• Privilege: Unearned advantages, benefits, or rights granted to individuals based on their membership in a dominant or advantaged social group
• Social exclusion: The process in which individuals or entire communities are systematically blocked from rights, opportunities, and resources that are normally available to members of society
• Health disparities: Preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health experienced by socially disadvantaged populations
• Equity: The fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that prevent the full participation of some groups

Historical Context

• Marginalization and oppression have deep historical roots, often stemming from colonialism, slavery, and discriminatory policies
• In the United States, the enslavement of African Americans and the displacement and genocide of Native Americans are examples of historical marginalization
• Jim Crow laws and segregation policies institutionalized racial discrimination and perpetuated marginalization
  • These laws enforced racial segregation in public facilities, housing, and education
• The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s fought against racial discrimination and segregation, leading to legislative changes such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Women's suffrage movement in the early 20th century sought to secure the right to vote for women, challenging gender-based marginalization
• The Stonewall Riots of 1969 marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility
• Despite progress, the legacy of historical marginalization continues to impact communities today

Types of Diversity and Marginalization

• Racial and ethnic diversity: Refers to the variety of races and ethnicities within a given population
  • Examples include African American, Latino/a, Asian, Native American, and multiracial individuals
• Gender diversity: Encompasses the range of gender identities and expressions, including cisgender, transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals
• Sexual orientation diversity: Refers to the variety of sexual orientations, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, and asexual
• Ability diversity: Includes individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, as well as those with mental health conditions
• Socioeconomic diversity: Relates to the range of income levels, educational attainment, and social class within a population
• Religious diversity: Encompasses the variety of religious beliefs, practices, and affiliations
• Age diversity: Refers to the range of ages within a population, from young children to older adults
• Marginalization can occur based on any of these diversity factors, as well as their intersections

Impacts on Communities

• Marginalization leads to social, economic, and health disparities within affected communities
• Limited access to resources, such as quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities
  • This perpetuates cycles of poverty and disadvantage
• Higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and housing instability among marginalized groups
• Increased exposure to discrimination, prejudice, and hate crimes
  • This can lead to psychological distress, trauma, and mental health challenges
• Health disparities, including higher rates of chronic diseases, maternal mortality, and reduced life expectancy
• Reduced political representation and decision-making power, leading to policies that may not address the needs of marginalized communities
• Internalized oppression, where individuals from marginalized groups may internalize negative stereotypes and beliefs about themselves and their communities
• Resilience and community solidarity in the face of adversity, with marginalized communities often forming strong support networks and engaging in collective action

Theories and Frameworks

• Critical Race Theory (CRT): Examines the intersection of race, law, and power, emphasizing the role of systemic racism in perpetuating inequalities
• Intersectionality: Highlights how multiple marginalized identities (e.g., race, gender, class) intersect to create unique experiences of oppression and discrimination
• Social Identity Theory: Explores how individuals' self-concept is influenced by their membership in social groups and how this can lead to in-group favoritism and out-group discrimination
• Minority Stress Model: Describes the additional stress experienced by individuals from marginalized groups due to stigma, prejudice, and discrimination
• Social Dominance Theory: Examines how societies maintain and reinforce group-based hierarchies and inequalities
• Empowerment Theory: Focuses on the process by which individuals and communities gain control over their lives and work towards social change
• Cultural Competence Framework: Emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences in order to effectively serve diverse communities
• Ecological Systems Theory: Considers how individuals are influenced by their environment, including family, community, and societal factors

Real-World Examples

• Racial profiling and police brutality disproportionately affecting Black and Latino communities (e.g., the cases of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Michael Brown)
• Higher rates of poverty, food insecurity, and health disparities among Native American communities
• Discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ+ community, such as higher rates of hate crimes and employment discrimination
• Barriers to accessibility for individuals with disabilities, such as lack of accessible public transportation and buildings
• Wage gaps and underrepresentation in leadership positions for women and people of color
• Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslim individuals and communities, particularly in the aftermath of 9/11
• Gentrification displacing low-income communities and communities of color
• Lack of representation and stereotypical portrayals of marginalized groups in media and entertainment

Strategies for Promoting Inclusion

• Developing cultural competence and humility among individuals and organizations
  • This involves ongoing learning, self-reflection, and a willingness to challenge one's own biases
• Implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in workplaces and educational institutions
  • Examples include diversity training, affinity groups, and mentorship programs
• Advocating for policy changes that address systemic inequalities and promote equity
  • This can include legislation related to voting rights, housing discrimination, and criminal justice reform
• Amplifying the voices and experiences of marginalized communities through allyship and platforms for storytelling
• Supporting community-led initiatives and organizations that work towards social justice and empowerment
• Incorporating inclusive language and practices in everyday interactions and communication
• Promoting representation and diversity in leadership positions and decision-making processes
• Engaging in ongoing education and dialogue to raise awareness about marginalization and its impacts
• Building coalitions and solidarity across marginalized communities to work towards collective liberation