Selves as Solutions to Social Inequalities

Why Engaging the Full Complexity of Social Identities is Critical to Addressing Disparities

Tiffany N Brannon author Peter H Fisher author Abigail J Greydanus author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:8th Oct '20

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Selves as Solutions to Social Inequalities cover

A stigma and strengths framework can empower mainstream institutions to further intervention efforts to mitigate social disparities.

Social disparities tied to social group membership(s) are prevalent and persistent in mainstream institutions. Psychological science has harnessed selves as solutions to inequality. We propose and review evidence that theoretical and applied impacts of leveraging 'selves as solutions' can be furthered through a stigma and strengths framework.Social disparities tied to social group membership(s) are prevalent and persistent within mainstream institutions (e.g., schools/workplaces). Accordingly, psychological science has harnessed selves - which are malleable and meaningfully shaped by social group membership(s) - as solutions to inequality. We propose and review evidence that theoretical and applied impacts of leveraging 'selves as solutions' can be furthered through the use of a stigma and strengths framework. Specifically, this framework conceptualizes selves in their fuller complexity, allowing the same social group membership to be associated with stigma, risk, and devaluation as well as strengths, resilience, and pride. We provide evidence that by enacting policies and practices that (a) reduce/minimize stigma and (b) recognize/include strengths, mainstream institutions can more fully mitigate social disparities tied to inclusion, achievement and well-being. Using social groups that vary in status/power we examine implications of this framework including the potential to foster positive, recursive, and intergroup impacts on social inequalities.

ISBN: 9781108812733

Dimensions: 150mm x 230mm x 3mm

Weight: 140g

75 pages