Readings for Diversity and Social Justice: An Anthology on Racism, Antisemitism, Sexism, Heterosexism, Ableism, and Classism

by Maurianne Adams (Editor)

The first reader to cover the scope of oppressions in America, Readings for Diversity and Social Justice covers six thematic issues: racism, sexism, Anti-Semitism, heterosexism, classism, and ableism. The reader contains a mix of short personal and theoretical essays as well as entries designed to challenge students to take action to end oppressive behavior and to affirm diversity and racial justice.

(For the original version of chapter 48, please refer to: Herek, Gregory, "Heterosexism and Homophobia," in Textbook of Homosexuality and Mental Health, ed. Robert Cavaj and Terry S. Stein, 1996, American Psychiatric Press, pp. pp. 101-113.)

Genres: Social Justice, Nonfiction, Education, Social Work, Feminism, Sociology, Race

536 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 1999

About the author

Professor Emerita at UMass Amherst, Maurianne Adams (Ph.D.) is co-editor/chapter author of Teaching for diversity and social justice (2nd edition, 2007) and the companion volume of readings Readings for diversity and social justice (3rd edition, 2013). She co-edited Strangers and neighbors: Relations between Blacks and Jews in the United States (1999) and edited Promoting Diversity in the College Classroom (1992). She has authored encyclopedia and handbook segments on social justice and social justice education, and book chapters and articles on social justice pedagogy, inclusive teaching, religious oppression, antisemitism, and classism. She regularly presents on topics related to social justice and diversity faculty leadership and student development, and consults on social justice programming. Her current research focuses on social justice instructional outcomes, and on the histories of religious oppressions. Adams is editor for the education journal Equity & Excellence in Education.

Reviews

[Ann Without An E · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In trying to explain this linkage, I was inspired by a traditional African tool that has three legs and a basin to sit on. To me the three legs represent three critical pillars of just and stable societies. The first leg stands for democratic space, where rights are respected, whether they are human rights, women's rights, children's rights, or environmental rights. The second represents sustainable and equitable management and resources. And the third stands for cultures of peace that are deliberately cultivated within communities and nations. The basin, or seat, represents society and its prospects for development. Unless all three legs are in place, supporting the seat, no society can thrive. Neither can its citizens develop their skills and creativity. When one leg is missing, the seat is unstable; when two legs are missing, it is impossible to keep any state alive; and when no legs are available, the state is as good as a failed state. No development can take place in such a state either. Instead, conflict ensues.”
― Wangari Maathai, Unbowed

[Karime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to a person that does not know anything about people from other cultures, skin tone, religion or different lifestyles but yet is open to learn; whereas, if you're of the belief that just because the U.S. has a black president it means that racism is over, then you will struggle with this book constantly, and most likely you ignore how ANYBODY can be discriminated against based on body weight, age, religion, social class, your accent, etc. If you struggle, I would suggest that you quit, read the Spark Notes, pass your class, and maybe read it again 10 years later.

This book enables you to search deeper on why, for example, sometimes you just don't like SOME people, or SOME people just seem more rude than others, all those little interactions with people in your life that did not really have an explanation for, you did not quite know what that was called, or just something, somehow seems unjust on how your child was treated at school, I would say this is your book.
I never quite understood cultural appropriation or the institutional damage of stereotypes or labels until I read this.
This is not a book for those that can't take a walk in someone else's shoes.

[Hugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the more valuable books on my shelf. A wonderful collection of timely and relevant readings that everyone should spend some time pondering.

[Tena Edlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not an easy read on any possible level, but this textbook consistently took me out of my comfort zone and made me consider other points of view. This text was for a class that stretched me, challenged me, and made me take a hard look in the mirror. I can’t ask more from the doctoral experience than that.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, a nice compilation of carefully chosen essays on Racism, Classism, Sexism, Heterosexism, Transgender Oppression, Ableism, and Ageism.

I still do not understand the nuances of the Context, Voices, and Next Steps sections; they all seem to be the same type of writing, and doing the same things? Is that just me? Whatever, I found the book to be informative and engaging, for the most part.

The last section of this book, on turning our newfound knowledge of privilege and oppression into social justice action, was rather underwhelming. I was hoping for more direct and concrete paths to social justice and community building, and not just a string of stale platitudes on how knowledge and conversation will save us all. Um, okay? I'm preparing for a career in Education, this is what I envisioned myself doing anyway. Taking these essays a few steps further and perhaps making them more specialized to classroom/workplace settings would have helped bucket loads, IMO.

Buy this title from Powell's Books.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was for a class and I don't think that anyone would be reading it straight through, but it tends to paint a picture of oppression where there is none if you do. While I know that oppression, racism, sexism and other isms exist, I find that its hard to read about it when I myself choose to move on and work with it or through it. Maybe that's me. Anyway this was for a class not by choice.

[Madeline · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to read this for my freshman seminar class, and it was the most useless book I have ever read. It was worse than Animal Farm and 1964, both by George Orwell. I couldn't pay attention or focus for the entire book. Definitely the worst book I have ever read.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful reading, complements the "Teaching" book very well.

[Andrew Benesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed teaching from this text. The division of context, voice, and action sections works well for orienting systems trained therapists to think about social justice issues. Some sections need more content explaining ideas (for example, the first reading on intersectionality goes from zero to "hegemony in the liberal state" in about 3 sentences), but the content is consistently good. Some students expressed frustration about the political content, but that's frankly necessary in a course about social justice.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection.

The thing that always sticks out in my mind from this collection is the clear visual of breaking out of the norm mentally... the moment of awareness of the reality of oppression and the need for social justice.

Really comprehensive, covering stories from the key social identity groups.

[Dayspring · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-have resource for social justice educators or anyone wishing to further their own understanding of oppression and privilege. The book is a collection of articles and book excerpts on a variety of topics related to diversity and social justice. Not exactly something you read cover-to-cover, but an excellent resource!

[Lindsay Allyson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Despite the topics being near to my heart, this was yet another textbook that was just too difficult to read and get through. Just because the information is interesting doesn't mean I want to pour over tiny text with nothing to break it up. Presentation is important, people.

Again, the professor didn't require us to actually read so I gave up on this one.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked how each section was easy to read but also easy to relate to. The chapters were helpful in opening my eyes to things I would never be able to experience myself, and at the same time showing me what privilege really is. A really good read for my M.A. class!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Important, pertinent reading. Sometimes the sections feel repetitive, outdated, and/or missing some perspective, but the book definitely has important messages, as well as a lot of well-known and lesser-known activist voices, including bell hooks, Cornel West, & others.

[Shelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A social justice/diversity primer.

[Nijole]

have to read this for my diversity class. heterosexism?

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only text I remember from grad school. Great collection of essays.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

My social justice bible of short essays and amazerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs. YES!

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great essays and articles on a variety of topics including ableism, racism, sexism, anti-semitism, heterosexism, and classism. I find myself referring to it and recommending it often.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to read this for school and hated it. It shouldn't take a book this large to teach the Golden Rule. Quit being judgmental assholes, people! It's not hard!

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

First 15 articles I've read have all been excellent. I really like the topic matrix and overall format. Has become a great reference for equity and social justice topics.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough compilation on social justice issues. Newer editions have been updated to include transgender oppression and adultism. A must read and must own item for social justice educators.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

best text book I've ever read.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best assigned textbook ever!

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference.

[Mandi Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great anthology!

[Keri Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no escaping the spotlight that lands in your lap as you read these stories. This book gives great insight and background to the struggles faced by many as our society continues to struggle with issues of racism, sexism, classism, ableism, etc. The more you know, the more you grow. If you pick this up, you assume responsibility to take action. "Silence always favors the oppressor."

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The reason why I am giving this book 2 stars is that, although the compilation of stories warrants a higher rating, the author's biased and opinionated filler/context/theory ensures that the reader will be either overly entranced from a rote sense, or turned off by the biased and bizarre sociological terminology.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used her other book Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice in one of my Women's Studies classes at California State University, Sacramento. It's a wonderful book, very effective. This book is a great companion piece. It give the reader an excellent overview of the isms.

[Josh Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for my diversity in education class. This book had some really great essays and readings, some of which were topics I already knew about, and others were really eye-opening.Would highly recommend for anyone who is going to work in a school setting.