Identity Investigation According to David Scott (2009) traditionally, White men, as well as other men, are socialized to equate self-worth with economic terms. They are taught to function at all costs and to be in control. These power issues are linked to the salience of their race and gender. In American culture people are ranked on their proximity to the normal referents of society: White, male, middle-class, Christian, heterosexual, and able-bodied persons. The current economic conditions, along with the constant pressure to live up to the masculine stereotype, such as no emotions and family provider continue to be ripe for ongoing oppression and racism by White men in the work place. As unemployment rises, White men are losing jobs and finding it harder to secure employment. These conditions can lead to frustration and anger by White men who are becoming disillusioned by the American dream. This paper will be an examination of a white male.

Ascribed and Achieved Social Status

The...

John is well educated, having earned a Doctorate in Education. John is employed as the superintendent of a small school district and is viewed as a respected and well-known member of the community. He is associated with a number of community activities and associations as well as professional organizations. His socio-economic status is upper middle class. John has no disabilities and appears to be in good physical health. John is a heterosexual, married, with three children. Born in the 1950's, John's earliest memories are of television shows such as Father Knows Best, and Leave it to Beaver. He also experienced the dawn of the space age, the Civil Rights movement, and is a member of the Baby Boomer generation, those born between 1946 and 1964. These early models and experiences served to create ideal expectations about reality that contributed to the make-up of his self-perceived identity.
Situation in which…