Assignment 2

1. Explain how the author distinguishes between discrimination and favoritism. How do they differ and how are they similar?

The author mostly distinguishes between the two by explaining multiple times that discrimination is illegal while favoritism is not and is one of the most common things in today’s job market. They differ because discrimination is not hiring someone because of the color of their skin or other attributes you don’t like. While favoritism is choosing someone for the job because they are someone you prefer physical attribute-wise or because you know one of their family members or friends. The two are similar because the potential employer will still not allow someone into the workforce if they don’t seem trustworthy.

2. What role do social networks play in the unemployment rates of blacks and whites according to the author? What types of social networks will help you get a good paying job? Who has access to those networks? Who does not?

Americans tend to have more connections through their friends and family, and most of those connections are American as well. So African Americans will have more trouble getting the same connections as Americans because they are of color. And when they try to get a decent paying job, the potential employer tends to look at them with an air of distrust. “What will he do?” “What will he steal?” “What are his motives?” These kinds of questions are what stop African Americans from getting decent jobs to support themselves and their families.

3. The author notes, "When I asked my interviewees what most contributed to their level of career success, they usually discussed how hard they had worked and how uncertain were the outcomes — not the help they had received throughout their lives to gain most of their jobs." Does this surprise you? Why or why not?

This does not really surprise me. I mean, the human species is naturally very greedy. If we can, we will try to take as much credit as possible. So even if they received a lot of help from people around them, if there isn’t identifiable proof of this, people will take all the credit.

4. How does this article undermine the "myth of meritocracy"? In other words, how does it challenge the idea that people hold positions of power and prestige because they are the most intelligent and hardworking?

An African American worker could be incredibly intelligent, with a Doctorate degree and everything, but he will still not get the job he want if he doesn’t have the connections. If an American, though, chose to apply for the same job and he knows the manager personally, then he is more likely to get the job even if he’s a high school dropout with no work experience.

5. In your opinion, how important are social networks? Think about the people you are connected with. How might your connections help shape your life path?

I honestly think social networks are extremely important. First hand, I can say that it is incredibly difficult to find a job if you don’t know anyone to vouch for you and tell the manager that you’re a good worker. I wish I had more connections, but I really only know my Mom as a connection.

#Sociology #Spring2016