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Psychology - Psychology Diversity Issues

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    Study Guide Psychology – Psychology: Diversity Issues 1. Culture and Race People live in many different cultures and come from many racial backgrounds. While this diversity enriches societies, it can also sometimes lead to prejudice and discrimination when individuals or groups form negative beliefs about others. 1.1 What Is Culture? Culture refers to the shared ideas, beliefs, behaviors, values, and traditions of a large group of people. Culture is passed down from one generation to the next and shapes how people think, communicate, and behave. Although culture can include racial differences, it is important to remember that: • There is great diversity within a single culture • People of the same race may belong to very different cultures 1.2 Race and Ethnicity Race is based on genetic ancestry and refers to biological heritage. Ethnicity , on the other hand, is learned , not inherited. It involves: • Shared background • Cultural traditions • Religious beliefs • Group identity and loyalties Ethnicity develops through family life, social relationships, and personal experiences. 1.3 Genetics and Human Differences Research shows that only a small amount of human genetic variation is linked to race. In fact:

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    Study Guide • People within the same racial group often differ more from one another than from people in other racial groups Because of this, psychologists focus on both: • Group differences (such as cultural patterns) • Individual differences , which are often more significant Understanding these differences helps psychologists better explain human behavior. 1.4 Reducing Prejudice and Discrimination Because humans can learn and adapt , prejudice and discrimination are not inevitable. Efforts to promote acceptance include: • Educational programs on cultural diversity • Courses that explore race, racism, and social psychology • Increasing representation of faculty from underrepresented racial and cultural groups Different cultures have different rules about acceptable behavior and different ways of guiding personal development. Learning about these differences helps reduce misunderstanding. 1.5 The Role of Education and Personal Contact One of the most effective ways to reduce prejudice is through direct contact with people from different cultures. Personal relationships help challenge stereotypes and replace them with understanding. Courses in the psychology of racism examine: • Key psychological concepts related to race and racism in the United States • Universal principles of racism that apply across societies Key Takeaway Cultural and racial diversity is a normal and valuable part of human life. While differences can sometimes lead to prejudice, education, personal interaction, and awareness can promote understanding, acceptance, and respect for others.

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    Study Guide 2. Age Ageism refers to prejudice against older adults and the discrimination that occurs because of a person’s age. This discrimination is often based on myths and stereotypes about what older people can or cannot do. Many of these myths suggest that older adults — especially older women — are less capable, less productive, or less adaptable. These beliefs are usually incorrect and are not supported by research. 2.1 Ageism in Society In the United States, ageism can be seen in several areas: • The job market , where older adults may be overlooked or forced out • Everyday interactions , where they may not be taken seriously • Media portrayals , which often present aging in a negative or unrealistic way Because of these attitudes, many older adults experience unfair treatment simply because of their age. 2.2 Why Ageism Is a Growing Concern Ageism is expected to become a much bigger issue in the future. By the year 2030 : • One in five Americans will be elderly • More than 8 million people will be 85 years old or older • Most of this older population will be women If ageism is not addressed, it will affect a growing number of people and become an increasingly serious social problem. 2.3 Studying Aging Scientifically Psychologists who study adult development , along with experts in fields like gerontology , work to understand aging based on research and evidence , not stereotypes.

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