racial inequalities at work

Running Head: RACIAL INEQUALITIES AT WORK

Racial Inequalities at Work

Tamara Doleman

Frostburg State University

May 2, 2013

Racial Inequalities at Work 2

Abstract

In order to level the playing field for minorities, affirmative action is a policy formed out of the

necessity to create equal opportunities for minorities of an education, within their jobs or when

seeking employment opportunities. This topic of racism in the workplace has been much debated,

yet is still very prevalent in today’s workplaces. This paper discusses the construct of racial

inequality by discusses the effects of racial discrimination in the workplace.


Racial Inequalities at Work

Inequality is perhaps the most significant feature in our society; it constructs every single

aspect of our lives from our safety, health, comfort education, stress, pleasure, dignity, longevity,

and opportunity to fulfill our potentials (Schwalbe, 2008). Affecting how we interact between

individuals, in our communities, societies, and throughout the world, this can be attributed to the

existence of unequal opportunities of differing social statuses or positions within a society; as

well in how inequality is manifested in our societies. Characterized by the presence of unequal

opportunities and rewards, inequality displays patterns of unfairness in the distribution of goods,

wealth, and opportunities. This is also true in the workplace, because inequality has a direct

affect in the importance of our daily lives; when one is treated fairly with respect and shown

dignity in the workplace that level of quality also transcends into their personal lives. The

sociology of work examines workplace diversity and its effects in the place of work, and

understanding how people work in different industries and occupations.

To examine how racial inequality is manifested in the workplace we must first

understand the process in how inequality is perpetuated. Essentially identified by those who

benefit from it, those who discourage inspection into the practices of it and our individual

personal involvement in the process of it; often times we, as a society, tend to hide from or deny

the processes that produce inequality if someone feels uncomfortable or threatened by it. This

type of avoidance only proves to sustain attitudes towards inequality. People do not begin their

days consciously deciding to racially discriminate against someone else, although there are some

who are intentionally discriminatory. Race is such a complex structure of ideas and practices

regarding how some visible characteristics such as hair, skin color, or facial features relate to

character, intellectual capacity and patterns of behavior (Markus, 2010). Basically we define


racial inequality as some people are different or deficient than others and are therefore subjected

to differential treatment; which in turn can make it difficult to address this issue or challenge its

ideologies because it can lead to strong negative reactions. People who are not subject to

stereotypes are not always in tune or aware to how powerful they are, while those who are

subject to stereotypes are cognizant of how they are affected by them.

Affirmative Action

In order to level the playing field for minorities, affirmative action is a policy formed out

of the necessity to create equal opportunities for minorities of an education, within their jobs or

when seeking employment opportunities. Affirmative Action was in response to generations of

discrimination against the preferential treatment of disadvantaged people prohibiting

discrimination on the basis of race or ethnic origin. The question on whether it is still needed is

left to debate by scholars. But is it? When you take into fact that studies still show that racism in

the workplace is still quite vital and is now generally recognized as institutional racism proves

that racism is still prevalent and has now shifted to a less inconspicuous method; a far more

dangerous and legal way to disguise the lack of equal employment opportu

nities. Although it appears that we should be at a period in our society where we should not need

Affirmative Action, it would behoove us to acknowledge that it is still a very crucial, relevant,

and necessary element to fair labor practices.

There’s a statement by CNN Commentator, LZ Granderson (2012), addressing this very

topic in his October 2012 article ‘What’s Wrong With Affirmative Action—and Why We Need

it. It denotes the attitudes that many minorities feel: “It's insulting, it's demeaning and there's not

a damn thing we can do about it, because as long as race is part of the qualification metric, the

perception that the bar was lowered so that we could jump over it will persist” (Granderson,


2012). Asserting that just because no one is discussing racial disparity in labor does not mean it

doesn’t exist, and denying its importance in our daily lives has the potential to hurt someone. The

concern being is this policy still working; is it still effective leaves some to debate that it’s now

just an overall social directive that means discrimination is wrong and some believe it doesn’t

really help the economically disadvantaged it was intended to help because it’s now viewed as

just a mandate that promotes mediocre employees for the benefit of exercising affirmative action

in a place of work or school (Finsterbusch, 2007). But there is still validity in its advantage

within the workplace; to be effective anti-discrimination laws assures employers that they are

breaking down barriers by hiring qualified employees of color and assures potential and present

employees that they are getting a fair chance. Simply, affirmative action widens the gap of

inclusion to give everyone, who is qualified, an equal shot at a prosperous opportunity; it is to

remedy the effects of past racism and as long as there is discrimination within a society there will

always be the need for affirmative action to ensure that all have an access to an equal

opportunity. To end it would end the dreams and hopes of a chance for people of color as well as

women, veterans, seniors, and the disabled.

History of Racism, What Nobody Wants To Say

Racism is the belief that one race, by one’s own assumption, is superior to another. The

history of racism is rooted deeply into American society. America’s racism is largely centered on

White and Black oppression; which has infiltrated every aspect of American society. “The idea of

“Americanness” has always been linked with “whiteness” (Farai, 2004). Today racism has

manifested into an multi-colored, multicultural, and multi-ethnic issue.

Maybe it is time to admit the obvious. ‘We don’t really care about diversity all that much in

America, even though we talk about it a great deal” (Brief, 2008). Racial prejudices affect everyone

when we do not know a person or know much about a group different from our own; our fears kick


in and ignorance prevails. We tend to form opinions, often stereotypical, that certain races are

intellectually and by nature inferior. America’s past of oppressing minority groups have left scars so

deep many refuse to remove that Band-Aid for some honest dialogue. The fact that certain cultures

feel more comfortable with people of the same likeness only adds to the growing gap of cultural

diversity, most notably in the work place. In addition, many minorities feel that in this country

Whites still see them as inferior. A study done by the National Opinion Research Center found that

the majority of Whites still believe Blacks to be inferior (Farai, 2004); this type of fears and beliefs

further confirms fears about all minorities as inept. There are such great disparities within

educational opportunities, income, and health issues between minority groups and White

Americans to combat them to bring about a harmony in the workplace is an endeavor that we all

must take on to achieving workplace equality.

Pay Equity

There is no surprise that United States White household incomes are significantly higher

than minorities. We very well can’t assume that Whites work harder or are working I higher

paying jobs to justify the disparity in wages. So, to consider why may take examining into some

of the underlying causes such as economic strife and occupational segregation by race or

ethnicity, education, and years on the job. The two most imperative are economic strife which

can be demonstrated in various forms; for instance the availability of jobs or amount of

investment funding made available to minority businesses, holds that curtails minority

opportunities and leave them feeling inept and frustrated towards the social and political system

that creates and sets the standard for what is determined as economic social improvement. The

other important cause is occupational segregation. This later form builds a strong case in the

issue of economic discrimination in that its premise is based on the uneven distribution of

individuals in the workplace, a particular occupation, race, gender, or some other personal


characteristic. This is evident in some careers where the dominating race is predominately White

such as an architect or psychologist; although it’s also exhibited in more labor-oriented jobs like

construction. On an average, Whites can earn an estimated six to eight thousand more in pay than

say an African-American and considerably more in a professional field where they essentially

have the same job title and are doing the same tasks. These issues reflect the social ills of

historical discrimination in America; in that ‘minorities are likely to be excluded from desirable

jobs simply because of their race as well as current class disadvantages provide a partial

explanation of racism inequality in the labor process (Tomaskovic-Devey, 1993). Segregation in

the U.S. created the path to institutionalized versions of racial disparity that still have its effects

in our society across the board, getting to that equal status has been an unending struggle. How

can an individual achieve equality in the workplace when generational social norms were

restricting the progress of minorities? Especially in an environment where Whites may have felt

they’re losing their privileges to an individual they considered may have obtained their position

because of affirmative action. The differences in ethnic economic inequality are of great concern,

but we must continue with modifications and improvements to ensure effective measures that

work toward closing the unequal pay gap.

The Ethical Argument

Dr. Cornell West briefly speaks on the equality and identity in moving beyond

affirmative measures in his book ‘Race Matters’, (2001) indicating that the measure was

influenced out of racist cast system and the need for a distribution of wealth that denied

opportunities the most qualified to enhance their standard of living and quality of life. Stressing

that without it would be far more detrimental to the whole of society in combating discriminatory

practices and workplace racism would exist anyway. Dr. West’s argument that attacking or


wanting to diminish affirmative action is like attacking “America’s weak will toward racial

justice and substantive redistributive measures” (West, 2001); strengthening affirmative action

measures is a proven way to address workplace racism and safeguard equal opportunity.

Societal behaviors and attitudes is what sets the tone for the argument if racism in the

workplace is unethical; bottom line if a society is contingent upon attitudes that cultivate racist

views than yes affirmative action can be viewed as unethical. It’s unjust and bias opinions and

actions that only aid in perpetuating prejudices against minorities and what society feels that they

are entitled to the way of economic success; these types of discriminations have a powerful

impact in the place of work. Affirmative action is a very complex issue and affect everyone’s

lives, balancing its intricateness can create tensions between workers and the races further

promoting inequality and racism.

Inequality…Does It Matter?

America believes in the concept of equal opportunity for everyone in competing for jobs,

we confirm this conviction by providing a free education for the underprivileged and instilling

laws that protect our rights through the prevention of discrimination practices based on gender,

sex, religion, or race in the workplace (Finsterbusch, 2007). On the other side, Americans also

feel that our society should not compensate those handicaps in providing social programs that

benefit those coming from a disadvantaged background or the legacy of past discrimination. Yet,

it is those same Americans who don’t believe in this helping hand of each one teach one or it

takes a village epithet that negates the fact that it is America’s ‘ill’. It is her hate filled bias and

racist forms of social discrimination that contributed to or created racism; which is why there is,

without a reasonable doubt, a need for social programs to those affected by Americans

discrimination. Which speaks volumes to why America is committed to the principle of equality


yet seem to falter in the area of putting it into practice; nonetheless America “makes very little

effort to reduce economic inequality” (Finsterbusch, 2007), but we still drudge on in the fight for

and principle of social equality.

Race is often unintentional and unidentifiable, and generally done under just through

participating in your society that identifies race through a certain set of organized racial

categories. We go about living our lives not realizing the social constructs that shape our beliefs

and behaviors, the profound effect they have on our ideals, and how those ideals is shaped and

re-produced. As we seek out inclusions, we must remember that biases in the workplace affect

not only wage discrimination but also an individual’s fundamental well-being is necessary to

having an effective democracy that nurtures a healthy economic system.

Postscript

Today, societies continually judge by their skin color and hate continues to brand America

in a negative light. America’s real beauty lies in its many diverse cultures; acknowledging that

serious problems remain is a step toward bridging the gap between racial disparities in America.

Our society is very diverse and diversity only enriches our lives, this is true for our working

environments. How bland life would be if we all looked alike, talked alike, and acted

alike; appreciating our differences and recognizing our similarities can help overcome prejudices

and intolerance. The basis of prejudice usually derives through stereotypes, judgments about a

particular group or a member of that group made without knowledge or thought, or sometimes a

personal experience with a person of a different heritage can also produce prejudices towards a

whole group; regardless, this type of prejudice has no valid reason or justice. Prejudices are deep

rooted in thousands of years of human history; we have grown up to assume race is just an issue of

Black and White, societies today are swiftly changing those very ideas. Whether American’s are


choosing to embrace diversity or not prejudices are increasing in this country and if we are to have

a truly inclusive society acceptance must first begin with self.

Our nation is changing by leaps and bounds; not only should we want to learn of the many

cultural differences we should also find a way of respecting the culture differences between both

minority and non-minority groups; regardless if those differences are skin color, language, sex,

sexual identity, or heritage. In order to have a clear view of issues of diversity in America

addressing both sides is necessary; why Americans are not embracing diversity and why some

have. One’s cultural background and experiences are making it a little easier for individuals to

explore diversity through such avenues as awareness, empathy, and acceptance. America needs

dialogue because we live and socialize in isolated communities, notwithstanding statistics,

indicating that our broader environments are less diverse. It’s no surprise that people often view

themselves and those who are different through a homogenous lens continuing the perpetuation of

stereotypes and bias’. Structured dialogue can open that lens to reveal our hidden assumptions and

suspicions about others. These types of exchanges of ideas and opinions, along with dialogue, are

necessary for any continued effective impact.

Today’s generation sees firsthand from schools, the workplace, our neighborhoods, health

facilities, and religious sectors the evidence that America has become more racially diverse and

through self-awareness more Americans are beginning to embrace diversity only aiding and

helping to bridge the diversity gap. The one thing to remember is that vast diverse races of this

country still lack trust, and that is the daunting task, as well as respect, to combating prejudices.

What I’ve Learned

On the issue of Americans and diversity, I honestly believe that people are afraid to address

their fears about racism or recognize their prejudices until directly affected by their own forms of

discriminations. Simply because we live our lives each day in our own private hamlets residing,

shopping and interacting with individuals of our own likeness; the only time confronted with


diversity is in the workplace, except for individuals who do not live in diverse regions. The only

time these individuals are affected by diversity is if they happen to be the victims of its unfairness. I

do not know if all races want to be accepting of diversity or if they are forced to accept it with the

changing times, one thing I do know is that diversity is not just a social change; it’s a mental

transformation. What keeps people from fully acknowledging racial differences and their individual

prejudices are personal experiences and the way they were raised. If an individual is raised to

believe a particular way of thinking and has been living under that belief for years it would be

extremely difficult for them to change their way of thinking; regardless of their nationality. For such

an individual they would have to experience a new personal triumph to even begin to see the

positive possibilities of racial diversity. We should at least attempt to try to be more accepting of

our unique diverseness; after all, this country was discovered, stolen, re-discovered and built from

the blood, sweat, and tears of a multi-cultural people…so I was raised to believe!

Looking Ahead & Moving Forward:

While researching I came across an article in which the author gives an analogy of rotten

potatoes to cultural diversity. The writer compares the history of potatoes to Ireland’s potato

famine through the planting of a practice called “mono-cropping”; one kind of potato planted and

nothing else available to stop any airborne pathogens. Because there was no other main food

source to depend on, nearly one million people died. The writer goes on to point out that this type

of practice served two main purposes to: “promote the protection of ecosystems natural habitats

the maintenance of viable populations of species and the natural surroundings, and to prevent the

introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or

species” (Hinlick, 2004). The writer asked that you substitute the word “ecosystems” with “culture”

to grasp the similarities of both words and the importance of the health of cultures and the

diversity of cultures on this planet and how essential they are to the survival of mankind. I like this


analogy because it shows that whichever society, ecosystems or culture, diversified societies are

necessary.

Many attributes characterize a diverse community as a person who feels welcome, and

respected, and allowed to develop to their fullest potential. That type of diversity is also indicative

of a healthy working environment, recognition of everyone, equally; education and people learning

from each other is the best way to combat prejudices. Embracing diversity is not about sacrificing

your individual beliefs; it should be about acceptance and respect of what is not necessarily better

or worse just different and by learning from each other we evolve as people. In order for our society

to begin to see improvement individuals must be willing to work towards it; there is validity in a

diverse society and it can be achieved while maintaining your individual cultural traditions and

eventually benefiting from learning about and respecting other cultural heritages.


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