chapter 5

1

© 2008 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

CHAPTER 5

Sociocultural Diversity


Culture

Cross-Cultural Studies Provide information about the degree

to which people are similar Elucidate behaviors specific to certain

cultures

Culture refers to the behavior patterns, beliefs, and all other products of a particular group of people

that are passed on from generation to generation.


Individualism vs. Collectivism

Individualism Gives priority to

personal goals Values feeling good

and personal distinction

Fosters independence

Collectivism Values group;

personal goals are subordinated

Encourages interdependence of group members

Supports harmonious relationships


Socioeconomic Status

Socioeconomic status (SES): the categorization of people according to their economic, educational, and

occupational characteristics

Educating students from low-SES backgrounds requires strategies that address issues such as discipline, motivation, parent involvement,

mentoring, and the untapped knowledge these students can access.


Children in Poverty

Of the 17.6% of U.S. children who live in poverty:

50% live in female-headed households40% live in African American households

40% live in Latino households


Negative Impact of Poverty on Children and Schools

Poor Schools

• Have fewer resources• Old, poorly maintained

buildings• Less-experienced

teachers• Encourage more rote

learning• Provide environments not

conducive to learning

Poor Students

• Poor language development

• Less cognitively stimulating home environments

• Lower achievement scores

• Lower graduation rates• Lower % college bound


Ethnicity

Ethnicity refers to a shared pattern of characteristics such as cultural heritage, nationality, race, religion,

and language.

For children of color, educational segregation is still a reality that affects the school experience.


Examples of Ethnic Differences

Dialect Individual vs. Cooperative Efforts Eye Contact Personal Space Public vs. Private Performance Family Relationships and Expectations Conceptions of Time


Prejudice

An unjustified negative attitude toward an individual because of his/her membership in a group.


Bilingual Education

Offers academic subjects in a student’s native language

Gradually introduces English

instruction


Sociocultural Diversity

MulticulturalEducation

Issues-CenteredEducation

CulturallyRelevantTeaching

The Issue of Whether a Core of “White” ValuesShould Be Taught

Empowering Students

Improving Relationships

Among Childrenfrom Different Ethnic Groups


The Multicultural Classroom

• Is sensitive to racist material/interactions• Includes historical descriptions of diverse

cultures in course content• Is sensitive to students’ cultural views• Views all students positively, regardless

of ethnic background • Strives to close the academic

achievement gap


Improving Relations Among Children from Different Ethnic Groups

The Jigsaw classroom Positive personal contact with others from

different cultural backgrounds Perspective taking Critical thinking and emotional intelligence Reducing bias Increasing tolerance School and community as a team


Gender

Gender refers to the sociocultural dimensions of being female or male.

Gender roles are the social expectations that prescribe how males and

females should think, act, and feel.


Gender Similarities and Differences

Physical Performance Math and Science Skills Verbal Skills Educational Attainment Relationship Skills Prosocial Behavior Aggression Emotion and Its Regulation


Eliminating Gender Bias

Teacher-Student Interaction Bias against boys Bias against girls

Curriculum and Athletics Content


Brainstorming

With a few other students, come up with a list of specific diversity goals for your future classrooms.

Brainstorm and come up with some innovative activities to help students gain positive diversity experiences, such as the inclusive quilt discussed in the chapter.

chapter 5

Documents