There are also arguments that can be made for the use of racial categories including situations where the use of these categories will assist in minimizing racial disparities. For example, in the educational field there have historically been racial inequalities. In this case racial categories can be utilized to ensure that equal opportunities are presented to all individuals regardless of racial category. Racial categories can also be useful in research situations to find ways to identify the causes of racial disparities, as well as how race structures human interactions. Since many state programs target areas that have underprivileged
Educational professionals can unintentionally continue racial disparities in the school system by allowing their assumptions about racial groups to guide their expectations, as well as interactions with students of that racial designation. If the example of persons of Asian descent is utilized again, these expectations that a student will excel in science and math regardless of their individual talents may lead to this student being graded more harshly or given work that is too difficult for their individual level. Another area in need of attention is the way in which social capital and class privilege limit opportunities for...
Many schools offer a free or reduced lunch program, however, this includes only the meal that is being offered not the snacks or additional options that require immediate payment. While one may argue that these items are not necessities they still set the underprivileged individual aside from those of a higher socioeconomic class.
Race did not start out as a manner by which to include or exclude individuals nor to create categorical hierarchies, yet somehow this has evolved throughout history. Racial disparities have become so engrained in our culture that at many points we can unknowingly reinforce them despite efforts not to. Educators will need to pay considerable attention to the role that race plays in their institutions.
References
Fredrickson, G. (2003). The historical origins and development of racism. In Race: The power of illusion. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/race/001_WhatIsRace/001_00-home.htm
Wade, Peter. (1997) Race and Ethnicity in Latin America. Chicago: Pluto Press.
