human relations approach this approach supports the idea that an important function of the school is...

HUMAN RELATIONS APPROACH

This approach supports the idea that an important function of the school is to

help students learn to live harmoniously in an ever-changing, culturally diverse society. Proponents of the the Human

Relations Approach believe that greater social equity will result if students learn

to respect and appreciate each other regardless of race, gender, social class,

or disability.

GOALS

The main goal of this approach is to promote

feelings of unity, tolerance, and acceptance among people. Central to the

concept of promoting these kinds of positive attitudes

are:

Group identity and pride for ethnic students

Prejudice reductionBias-free

education Identification of similarities between and among various

persons and groups Appreciation of differences

APPLICATION

Teachers implement Human Relations activities to

accomplish interpersonal and cross-cultural goals.

These activities are, generally, in the areas of

self-esteem, prejudice reduction, values

clarification, and group process strategies.

THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS

The theoretical foundations for the Human Relations Approach are found in general psychology

and social psychology. Some theorists have emphasized the development of prejudice and

stereotyping within individuals. Others have emphasized the

development of prejudice and hostility between groups. Still others pay more attention to

individual self-concept.

Prejudice Within Individuals

Gordon Allport (1979) was one of the main theorists to

write about the development of prejudice

in individuals. •Cognitive development theory•Psychoanalytic theory

Prejudice Within Individuals: Cognitive

Development TheoryThe mind must relate, simplify and organize new information on order for it to make sense:

•Early Childhood•Children see differences early in life•Children are learning language at same time•Social meanings are added later

•Late Childhood•Children overgeneralize and stereotype all things


Development TheoryThe mind must relate, simplify and organize new information on order for it to make sense: •As years go by

•Change of schema in order to make perceptions match reality•Path of least resistance

•Those with limited exposure view non-stereotypical examples as “exceptions”


Development TheoryThe mind must relate, simplify and organize new information on order for it to make sense:

•Perception plays a role•Selects what will be seen•Those who fit stereotype are easier to accept

•Dissonance Theory: When someone holds two cognitive structures that are incompatible

•The mind must make adjustments to lessen the dissonance

Prejudice Within Individuals: Psychoanalytic Theory

The mind has urges and capacities that appear in

feelings and needs•Most remain at subconscious level

•Lack of success leads to frustration which leads to projection of feelings to others

•Development of hatred can be related to child-raising styles

•Children identify with parents and project parents’ feelings as desirable

Prejudice Within Individuals

Attributes of a Mature Person

1 Characteristics of MaturityA. Extension of the sense

of selfB. Warm relating of self to others C. Emotional security (self-acceptance)D. Realistic perception, skills, assignmentsE. Self objectification: insight and humorF. Unifying philosophy of life

Prejudice and Hostility Between Groups

Reference group theory, developed by Sherif and Sherif (1966) helps us to understand

intergroup relations. According to this theory, all of us derive much of our identity from our association with others. We

belong to a set of in-groups beginning with our own family

during early childhood.


During the course of their research the Sherifs observed

that: When groups come in contact, they attempt to define and maintain group boundaries.

They encourage group members to stay within the group and to remain loyal to the

group. Individual group members begin to depict the group as superior to out-

groups and try to convince one another in the group of this superiority.


The Sherifs observed that hostility develops as soon as groups perceive themselves to be in competition with

one another. The groups don’t actually need to be

in competition with each other. Hostility and rejection occur when one

group perceives the other to be in competition for something they want

or believe should be theirs.

Self-Concept Theory

Beane and Lipka (1986) identify four dimensions of the self-concept

of a young person:

Self as Member of a FamilySelf as Peer

Self as a Student

Self as a Person With Attributes

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION


Infusion of the program into several subject areas

School-wide programUse of diverse strategies which are

student-focused

Inclusion of the child’s real-life experiences

Academic and social success for the child in the classroom


Provide accurate cognitive information: comprehensive, free from stereotypes

Employ group process strategies (use the group to educate its

members). Involve students in role-playing

and vicarious experiences.

Provide social skills training and community action projects

for students.

CREDITS

This information is taken from:

Sleeter and Grant. Making Choices for Multicultural Education. Fourth

Edition. Merrill, 2003

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