HONP202 Social Analysis: Difference Spring, 1992 Montclair State College Dr. Rhoda Unger (Internet: unger@apollo.montclair.edu) Course Outline and Syllabus Required texts: S. J. Gould (1981). The mismeasure of man. N.Y.: Norton. C. E. Russett (1989). Sexual science. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. P. S. Rothenberg (1988). Racism and sexism. N.Y.: St. Martin's Press. M. R. Malson et al., Eds. (1988). Black women in America. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. J. Madden-Simpson & S. M. Blake (1990). Emerging voices: A cross-cultural reader. N.Y.: Holt, Rinehart, & Winston. R. Unger & M. Crawford (1992). Women and gender: A feminist psychology. N.Y.: McGraw Hill. Assorted handouts as indicated in course syllabus. The purpose of this course is to analyze the many ways difference is defined, used, and experienced at various levels in our society. Difference will be explored mainly in terms of race and sex since these are the distinctions that have used most by scholars and society. However, other factors such as class and culture that have been relatively neglected will also be explored. Part I. In the first part of this course we will explore the way physical differences have been used by biologists and physical anthropologists to define racial and sexual categories. We will focus, in particular, on the similarities between past theories and findings and those that are popular today. Week 1. Introduction to the subject with an emphasis on the various levels at which difference may be analyzed. The dilemma of difference. "Harrison Bergeron" - story by Kurt Vonnegut (handout) Week 2. Scientific definitions of race: The past and present M. Harris (1988). "Race, human variation, and the force of evolution." Chapter 6 of Culture, people, and nature (5th edition). N.Y.: Harper & Row. (handout) S. J. Gould. Chapters 2 & 3 Week 3. Scientific definitions of sex: The past C. E. Russett. Chapters 1 & 3 Week 4. The construction of sex and gender R. Unger & M. Crawford. Chapter 6 Project 1. Write an 8 - 10 page paper discussing the evidence for or against the relationship between scientific ideas about group differences and political ideology. Discuss the question of whether science is objective and value-free. Part II. We will examine theories about the causes of group differences with a particular emphasis on evolutionary theory and sociobiology on one hand and social constructionism on the other. We will look at how terminology is used and how it influences our causal explanations. An important aspect of this part of the course is the issue of what questions are asked and which are ignored. Factors which influence which findings are given public visibility and which are ignored by the media will also be explored. Week 5. The IQ controversy S. J. Gould. Chapter 5 J. Madden-Simpson & S. Blake. Reading by Agueros Week 6. Gender and cognitive differences R. Unger & M. Crawford. Chapter 3 J. Madden-Simpson & S. Blake. Reading by Smith & by Brand Week 7. Culture and class: The neglected variables C. E. Russett. Chapter 2 S. J. Gould. Chapter 4 P. Rothenberg. Pages 54 - 69. J. Madden-Simpson & S. Blake. Story by Olsen Week 8. MIDTERM Part III. How do theories about the sources of differences influence the social remedies offered to deal with them. We will look at whether sources of difference are seen as problems of the individual or problems of society. Thus, we will examine programs of "remedial" education as well as the idea that it is possible to have separate but equal schools. We will also look at laws such as protective legislation, divorce laws, and affirmative action. Week 9. When is a difference important? S. J. Gould. Chapter 6 R. Hubbard (1990). "The political nature of human nature." In D. L.Rhode (ed.). Theoretical perspectives on sexual difference. New Haven: Yale University Press. (handout) Week 10. Group differences and the law D. Rhode (1990). "Definitions of difference." In D. L. Rhode (ed.). Theoretical perspectives on sexual difference. New Haven: Yale University Press. (handout) P. Rothenberg. Pages 242 - 251 J. Madden-Simpson & S. Blake. Reading by Houston & Houston Week 11. Group differences in outcomes P. Rothenberg. Pages 88 - 97; 125 - 130; 139 - 147; 157 - 164 M. R. Malson et al. Article by Geschwend & Carroll- Seguin J. Madden-Simpson & S. Blake. Reading by Baldwin Project 2. Write a short paper (5 - 6 pages) on the personal meaning of difference. You may write an essay or a work of fiction. You may even do an art project if you so choose. The subject of this project may be drawn from some aspect of your own life or that of a close relative or friend. Address the issue of whether a difference is always seen as a deficiency. You may also address the question of who is or was seen as responsible for the difference. Part IV. We will discuss how information about being different is conveyed. Difference has different implications at various stages of life such as childhood and adulthood. We will also look at the issue of multiple or interactive differences such as being a Black or a Latina woman. Do individuals have to choose between what forms of oppression to address? Are forms of social stigma a matter of an individual's choice? We will consider the issue of how social interactions may label and maintain so-called marginalized behaviors and how societal values influence what is defined as socially problematic behavior. Week 12. Images of difference P. Rothenberg. Pages 257 - 279 R. Unger & M. Crawford. Chapter 4 J. Madden-Simpson & S. Blake. Readings by Bosmajian & by Naylor (p. 197) Week 13. Doing race and gender: Social interactions and the self-fulfilling prophecy R. Unger & M. Crawford. Chapter 5 J. Madden-Simpson & S. Blake. Reading by Staples Week 14. Blaming the victim P. Rothenberg. Pages 324 - 348 M. R. Malson et al. Article by Dill J. Madden-Simpson & S. Blake. Reading by Naylor (p. 14) Week 15. The double jeopardy of race and sex M. R. Malson et al. Articles by Mann; Zinn; & King Week 16. Putting it together. J. L. Hochschild (1991). "The politics of the estranged poor." Ethos, 101, 560-578. (handout) TAKE HOME FINAL