Stereotypes….
Stereotypes
are more than just words…
According
to a dictionary, stereotype is a fixed, over generalized belief about a
particular group or class of people. Big disadvantage of stereotypes is that it
makes us ignore differences between individuals; therefore we think things
about people that might not be true (i.e. make generalizations). By
stereotyping we infer that a person has a whole range of characteristics and
abilities that we assume all members of that group have. Stereotypes lead to social
categorization, which is one of the reasons for prejudice attitudes (i.e.
“them” and “us” mentality) which leads to in-groups and out-groups.
Stereotypes
are not only harmful in their own right; they do damage by fostering prejudice
and discrimination. Prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination often go
hand-in-hand, but it is also possible to have one without the others.
Below we
are presenting few non-formal education methods that help us to understand and counteract
stereotypes, prejudices and
discrimination.
1. Stereotypes among us
The task is to write on tape different common and strong stereotypical characters, eg. supermodel, thief, murderer, stinky bum, alcoholic, party girl, prostitute, mom, friend, king, ect.
Then you tape them on forehead of other participants without them seeing witch character they are. Then you ask participants to walk around the room and according whom they are communicating to. Just let them to express their feelings towards what they see. It does not have to be their own beliefs, but let them act according to well known socio norms in their lives.
2. What do you think about me?
The participants write on piece of paper their cultural identity/nationality. This paper is sticked on the back of the person and all the other participants write stereotypes they have for this culture. Every participant writes on the backs of all the other participants. The facilitator can give examples to streamline the ideas – could focus on food, drinks, music, or monuments, etc.
Than every participant comments the things written about his/her culture. The facilitator ask questions like:
* Do you personally use it, like it, do it, go there?
* In what way this thing is presented in your everyday’s life?
The aim is not only the participants to exchange information about their culture, but also to see that one person do not represent 100 % the existing stereotypes for his own culture.
The group trust and friendly atmosphere is very important. Make sure you set a rule to respect the participants' feelings. In the beginning give to the participants the possibility to stop playing at any stage, if they don't feel comfortable with the activity.
3. Wall of prejudice
Put on the wall 10 white papers with titles. Titles are different groups of people, made on different criteria. Your task will be to approach all the papers and to write down one or two characteristic for that group of people.
It is your first association – do not overthink this exercise! Do not think about it at all if you can, try to do this as fast as you can. Don’t read other things that are written, we’ll have time to read them. This is silent game, so please don’t discuss and comment nothing while you are doing this. When you are finished, please sit down, just to see how many of you have finished.
Groups of people, examples: Politicians, Japanese, artists, football players, NGO activists, women,
English people, drug addicted people, Chinese, Yoga practitioners
Sharing and discussion:
* What do we have now on the walls?
* Discussion what stereotypes are, what are prejudices, what is discrimination.
* Giving handout about stereotypes.
See more games and workshops on: https://www.salto-youth.net/
*********************************************************************************
Labour discrimination can be defined as the valuation in the market place of personal characteristics of the worker that are unrelated to worker productivity. It can be thus understood as the differentiation of workers based on characteristics such as color, race, origin, gender etc. that can be classified as factors that do not have a role in determining his or her productivity. There are multiple dimensions that need to be considered when discussing such discrimination.
Review this list of the different types of employment discrimination and tips for handling workplace discrimination issues:
* age
* gender
* race
* ethnicity
* mental or physical disability
* pregnancy or parenthood
Examples of Employment Discrimination
Employment discrimination could occur in any number of situations, including:
1. Stereotypes among us
The task is to write on tape different common and strong stereotypical characters, eg. supermodel, thief, murderer, stinky bum, alcoholic, party girl, prostitute, mom, friend, king, ect.
Then you tape them on forehead of other participants without them seeing witch character they are. Then you ask participants to walk around the room and according whom they are communicating to. Just let them to express their feelings towards what they see. It does not have to be their own beliefs, but let them act according to well known socio norms in their lives.
2. What do you think about me?
The participants write on piece of paper their cultural identity/nationality. This paper is sticked on the back of the person and all the other participants write stereotypes they have for this culture. Every participant writes on the backs of all the other participants. The facilitator can give examples to streamline the ideas – could focus on food, drinks, music, or monuments, etc.
Than every participant comments the things written about his/her culture. The facilitator ask questions like:
* Do you personally use it, like it, do it, go there?
* In what way this thing is presented in your everyday’s life?
The aim is not only the participants to exchange information about their culture, but also to see that one person do not represent 100 % the existing stereotypes for his own culture.
The group trust and friendly atmosphere is very important. Make sure you set a rule to respect the participants' feelings. In the beginning give to the participants the possibility to stop playing at any stage, if they don't feel comfortable with the activity.
3. Wall of prejudice
Put on the wall 10 white papers with titles. Titles are different groups of people, made on different criteria. Your task will be to approach all the papers and to write down one or two characteristic for that group of people.
It is your first association – do not overthink this exercise! Do not think about it at all if you can, try to do this as fast as you can. Don’t read other things that are written, we’ll have time to read them. This is silent game, so please don’t discuss and comment nothing while you are doing this. When you are finished, please sit down, just to see how many of you have finished.
Groups of people, examples: Politicians, Japanese, artists, football players, NGO activists, women,
English people, drug addicted people, Chinese, Yoga practitioners
Sharing and discussion:
* What do we have now on the walls?
* Discussion what stereotypes are, what are prejudices, what is discrimination.
* Giving handout about stereotypes.
See more games and workshops on: https://www.salto-youth.net/
*********************************************************************************
Labour discrimination can be defined as the valuation in the market place of personal characteristics of the worker that are unrelated to worker productivity. It can be thus understood as the differentiation of workers based on characteristics such as color, race, origin, gender etc. that can be classified as factors that do not have a role in determining his or her productivity. There are multiple dimensions that need to be considered when discussing such discrimination.
Review this list of the different types of employment discrimination and tips for handling workplace discrimination issues:
* age
* gender
* race
* ethnicity
* mental or physical disability
* pregnancy or parenthood
Examples of Employment Discrimination
Employment discrimination could occur in any number of situations, including:
* Stating or suggesting preferred candidates in a job advertisement
* Excluding potential employees during recruitment
* Denying certain employees compensation or benefits
* Paying equally-qualified employees in the same position different salaries
* Discriminating when assigning disability leave, or retirement options
* Denying or disrupting the use of company facilities
* Discrimination when issuing promotions or lay-offs
Discrimination during the recruitment process
It is important to avoid discrimination during the recruitment process. This not only is a legal requirement, but also gives you the best chance of getting the right person for the job. Remember any questions that reveal your age, race, national origin, gender, religion, marital status and sexual orientation are off-limits.
Below we are presenting examples of some questions that might be improper during interview. We are also presenting examples of answers to these questions.
If you are asked illegal interview question, you have three options:
1. Just answer the question. If you don't mind providing the information and you don't want to make waves, you can respond to the question and move on to the next one
2. Refuse to answer the question. Inform the interviewer that the question doesn't seem to be legal or relevant to the specific requirements of the job.
3. Don't answer the question, but answer the intent behind the question. This is usually the best option, since it allows you to provide a tactful answer without sacrificing your rights.
Some examples:
Q: Do you plan to have children?
A: I plan to pursue a career whether or not I decide to raise a family.
Q: Are you aware that we’ve usually hired a more athletic person for this job because the pressure and fatigue of a lot of travel? (Read: not overweight.)
A: There’s no task in your job description that I can’t perform.
Q: What’s your general state of health?
A: I’ll be glad to take a pre-employment exam by your company physician to be sure I’m able to handle the job.
Q: Is your spouse employed?
A: Yes, and very supportive of my seeking employment here.
* Paying equally-qualified employees in the same position different salaries
* Discriminating when assigning disability leave, or retirement options
* Denying or disrupting the use of company facilities
* Discrimination when issuing promotions or lay-offs
Discrimination during the recruitment process
It is important to avoid discrimination during the recruitment process. This not only is a legal requirement, but also gives you the best chance of getting the right person for the job. Remember any questions that reveal your age, race, national origin, gender, religion, marital status and sexual orientation are off-limits.
Below we are presenting examples of some questions that might be improper during interview. We are also presenting examples of answers to these questions.
If you are asked illegal interview question, you have three options:
1. Just answer the question. If you don't mind providing the information and you don't want to make waves, you can respond to the question and move on to the next one
2. Refuse to answer the question. Inform the interviewer that the question doesn't seem to be legal or relevant to the specific requirements of the job.
3. Don't answer the question, but answer the intent behind the question. This is usually the best option, since it allows you to provide a tactful answer without sacrificing your rights.
Some examples:
Q: Do you plan to have children?
A: I plan to pursue a career whether or not I decide to raise a family.
Q: Are you aware that we’ve usually hired a more athletic person for this job because the pressure and fatigue of a lot of travel? (Read: not overweight.)
A: There’s no task in your job description that I can’t perform.
Q: What’s your general state of health?
A: I’ll be glad to take a pre-employment exam by your company physician to be sure I’m able to handle the job.
Q: Is your spouse employed?
A: Yes, and very supportive of my seeking employment here.
Q: Do you own your own home, rent or live with your parents?
A: I’m not sure how this relates to the job. Can you explain?
Q: Is English your first language?
A: I am fluent in these languages....
Q: Are you married?
A: Let's go back to my qualifications
A: I’m not sure how this relates to the job. Can you explain?
Q: Is English your first language?
A: I am fluent in these languages....
Q: Are you married?
A: Let's go back to my qualifications
