A Simple Activity Exploring the Social Construction of Race

Abstract

This exercise demonstrates the social construction of the concept of race as it is used in different societies. It reduces the concept of race to a social fact using the analogy of shaded circles. This depersonalizes the topic and allows for an in-depth examination of the processes involved in creating the concept of race that many would consider normal...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Race, Class and Gender

Resource Type(s):

Class Activity

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Medium

Usage Notes

(see attached documents)

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Groups of 4 to 6 students will categorize six circles with different patterns and shades.
2. Groups of 4 to 6 students will debate the merits of other students’ classifications of the patterned and shaded circles.
3. Students will conclude that the circle categorization by any individual or group is arbitrary even in the face of logical reasons based on objective differences in the patterns and shades of the circles.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Each group presents a logical argument justifying the categorization of the circles.
2. Students will make a judgment and either commit or revise their initial classification of the patterned and shaded circles.
3. Students will relate the arguments from their conclusions in the circle activity to the concept of race.