The Meaning of Difference

Social institutions play an important role in defining the identities of individuals (“Section 1”, n.d). For example, society determines the name that one carries. There is debate regarding whether such characteristics as sex, race and social class possess essential qualities that allow them to stand on their own or if these characteristics are creations of society. An argument can be made that these characteristics do not exist on their own. Instead, society is actively involved in imbuing them with life and relevance. One’s sex, race, social class and other characteristics are the result of societal pressures.

The need to study race relations cannot be overstated. Studying race relations allows learners to understand the roots of race. For example, in this class, the foundations of race in the United States have been explored. It has been revealed that the history of race in the United States is complex and intriguing. For example, the African American community has undergone changes that have seen it adopt and drop different tags (“Section 1”, n.d).. Initially, members of this community were referred to as Negro. This name was found to be offensive and such other names as colored, black and African American were developed to take its place (“Section 1”, n.d).. It is also important to study race relations so as to bolster integration and to promote harmonious interactions among different races. The United States is experiencing deep divisions among the various races. For example, the African American community protests the acquittal of police officers who faced charges of killing black men who were unarmed. The juries that acquitted thee officers were made up mostly of members of the white community. Studying race relations promises to fix the racial divides and heal the nation.

It has already been observed that there is a debate regarding the forces that define such characteristics as race and sex. An argument has been presented that society plays a vital role in determining these issues. Race is socially determined. It is true that there are biological differences between the members of the different races. For instance, members of the African American community tend to have dark skin. Other racial communities also have some key defining biological features such as skin color and size and color of the eyes. However, these differences are not sufficient to justify the aggregation of individuals into racial communities. The constructionist perspective can be applied to shed more light on the impact of social structures on racial definitions. This perspective provides that certain conceptions have no essential intrinsic meaning (“Section 1”, n.d). They acquire meaning when society assigns them meaning. Since race has no essential distinguishing quality, it is clear that race is a social construct. Another argument that adds weight to the position that race is a social construct is the fact that the definitions of race are fluid and vary with context (“Section 1”, n.d). For instance, racial definitions change in situations where individuals are born to parents from different races. This means that the context determines how race is regarded. For race to be a biological phenomenon, it would need to be clear-cut and unchanging. While it has been established that race is a social construct, it is important to recognize the biological components of race. As already noted, different racial communities possess varying biological features that distinguish them. While these differences are significant, they are not sufficient to support the argument that race is biologically determined. The bottom line is that one’s racial identity is the result of social forces.

The readings address a number of differences that have been differentiated. Sex, race, social status, disability and sexual orientation are some of these differences (“Section 1”, n.d).. They are collectively referred to as master statuses since they significantly affect an individual’s life and prospects. Some of these differences are much easier to differentiate than others. Disability, race, social status and sex are the easiest to differentiate. This is because standard approaches and definitions are available for differentiating them. For example, one is classified as disabled when they suffer some form of impairment such as being blind or missing a limb. Sex is also easy to differentiate because individuals possess such defining features as genitalia which place them in particular sex categories. Social status can also be determined with relative ease. Such parameters as income levels can be relied on to determine one’s social status. Sexual orientation is the most difficult characteristic to differentiate. This is because sexual orientation is far more complex than the other features. For example, while one’s skin color can be used to determine one’s race, a similarly clear-cut criterion is unavailable for determining one’s sexual orientation. This explains why there are very many different classes of sexuality. What makes it more difficult to differentiate sexuality is the fact that individuals are the ultimate determinants of their sexualities. In most societies, one is either homosexual or heterosexual. However, as individuals become more aware of the dynamics of sexuality, new sexual classifications such as transgender are emerging.

In conclusion, human societies are complex. They are defined by different features that include race, gender and sexual orientation. The societies are becoming more complex as traditional beliefs are shattered and new positions are assumed. As these changes occur, the role that social institutions play is becoming clearer. It is understood that social pressures shape the identity of individuals. Society determines one’s sex, gender and social status. Such other forces as biological dynamics also play a role. However, their role is rather limited and social pressures remain the dominant determinant of individual identity.

Reference

Section 1: Constructing Categories of Difference. (n.d).