SOCI 324 6,7-4 Bias Discussion

Introduction to SOCI324 6,7-4 Bias Discussion

In this SOCI324 6,7-4 Bias Discussion assignment, students are prompted to explore biases that are not linked directly to personal identities such as race, gender, or ethnicity, but rather to more general preferences and inclinations, such as a bias towards a type of food or a particular style of music. The objective is to identify these biases, understand their origins, examine their impact on daily interactions, and relate personal insights to broader concepts of cultural competency and humility. This Owlisdom How-To guide of SOCI324 6,7-4 Bias Discussion will help you navigate through each aspect of the assignment effectively.

Think about something you have a bias towards that is not based on a personal identity.  Think back to the example that I provided in the bias lecture about my dog.  It can be something as simple as having a bias towards a certain type of food, for example.  Identify what this bias is and tell us a little about it.

Identification Of A Non-Personal Bias

In this section of SOCI 324 6,7-4 Bias Discussion, we will discuss the Identification Of A Non-Personal Bias.

1. Start by identifying a specific bias that is unrelated to personal identity. This could be a preference for certain cuisines, artistic styles, or even technological products.
2. Provide a brief description of what this bias entails and how it manifests in your preferences and choices.

Example

I recognize a bias towards spicy food, favoring dishes that incorporate a high level of heat. This preference stems from my childhood experiences where family meals were often characterized using vibrant spices, linking a sense of comfort and nostalgia to these flavors.

Consider where this bias stems from and discuss this (my intent with this process is simply to get you thinking about bias and how it develops).

Origin Of The Bias

This section of SOCI 324 6,7-4 Bias Discussion will discuss the Origin Of The Bias.

1. Reflect on how and why this bias developed. Consider factors such as family influence, cultural exposure, or personal experiences that might have contributed.
2. Discuss how these experiences led to the formation of your bias, linking your reflections to theories of behavior or psychology if applicable.

Example

The bias towards spicy food developed from early exposure and positive associations with family gatherings and cultural celebrations. Such preferences are often rooted in one’s upbringing, where food acts as a cornerstone of cultural identity and family tradition.

Does this bias impact your perceptions, communication, or behaviors?  How does this, in turn, impact interpersonal interactions?  Please explain.

Impact On Perceptions And Interactions

This section of SOCI 324 6,7-4 Bias Discussion will discuss the Impact On Perceptions And Interactions.

1. Examine how this bias influences your perceptions of the world and your interactions with others.
2. Consider how this bias might affect your communication and behavior in social settings or decision-making processes.

Example

This culinary bias influences my dining choices, often guiding me towards restaurants that cater to bold flavors and affecting social dining scenarios where I might advocate for spicier meal options. Consequently, it sometimes limits the variety of my food experiences and can affect social interactions, especially when dining with others who prefer milder tastes.

This module had several stories that involved bias.  Discuss one of those stories and share what you took away from the story. 

Reflection On Bias From A Story

This section of SOCI 324 6,7-4 Bias Discussion will discuss the Reflection On Bias From A Story.

1. Choose a story discussed in your module that involved bias. Summarize the story.
2. Draw Personal Connections: Reflect on what you took away from the story and how it relates to your understanding of bias.

Example

One story discussed during the module highlighted bias in professional settings, where an individual’s accent led colleagues to underestimate their expertise. This story illustrated the subtle ways biases can undermine professional respect and collaboration. It reminded me of the need to consciously challenge our preconceptions to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment.

Lastly, please explain the difference between cultural competency and cultural humility in your own words.

Cultural Competency Vs. Cultural Humility

This section of SOCI 324 6,7-4 Bias Discussion will discuss the Cultural Competency Vs. Cultural Humility.

1. Clearly define cultural competency and cultural humility in your own words.
2. Explain the differences between these concepts, focusing on their applications in real-world interactions and personal development.

Example

Cultural competency involves acquiring specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes that aid in effectively interacting with different cultures. Cultural humility is an ongoing process of self-reflection and personal critique whereby individuals continuously assess their own cultural biases and perceptions and their understanding of others’ cultural identities.

Please respond to the discussions of two other students.  Please reflect on what your peer shared and discuss your thoughts about their discussion. 

Peer Response

Note the main points of 2 students’ comments and reply to those comments while sharing your thoughts.

Response to Student A

Interesting perspective on cultural biases! It’s enlightening how deeply our upbringing shapes our views and interactions.

Response to Student B

Great analysis of non-personal bias! I hadn’t considered how such preferences could subtly influence social and professional environments.

CLOSING

Completing this SOCI324 6,7-4 Bias Discussion assignment will deepen your understanding of how biases, even those unrelated to direct personal identifiers, can shape interactions and perceptions. It fosters greater self-awareness and encourages the development of cultural humility, an essential skill in navigating diverse social landscapes. This reflective process is not just about recognizing biases but also about learning to manage their effects constructively and empathetically in personal and professional realms. In the next module of SOCI 324, we will explore the 8,9,10-1 Video Assignment 3.