Theory and RaceEthnicity Writing the Rules 1 Birthday

Theory and Race/Ethnicity

Writing the Rules ¢ 1) Birthday Party illustrates what? ¢ 2) What is Power? • In Seneca power equals. • In Western Societies, power is:

Writing the Rules ¢ 2) Three types of Power Over A) Winner takes all l B) Create rules that help some and hurt others. Person who controls the rules, controls who wins l C) Create a cultural narrative that justifies the rules: “Cultural Mythology” l

Critique of Power Over ¢ 1) Cultural Mythology hides that other types of power exist and so essentializes hierarchy ¢ 2) Given that there always winners and losers, social categories must exist to justify why one group has more power than another ¢ 3) If “outsiders” are allowed to win, they are the “exception” and are socialized to not question, even though they will never fit in with “insiders. ” Further, “inside-outsiders” help create divide and conquer. • If everyone wants to get ahead but there are only a few spots, then outsiders must be MORE insider than the “insiders. ”

Example of Power Over and Power With ¢ 1) Example of Kmart • Pulpit Forum and The Union

Resistance to Power Over ¢ 1) Re-conceptualize discussions about power over l Question essentialism l Focus on process vs outcome (because outcome is only a process) ¢ 2) Share Power and emphasize human agency l Define problems locally from perspective of diverse stakeholders; participation requires diverse people because of diverse perspectives ¢ 3) Confront race and class hierarchies