Understanding Human Differences Multicultural Education for a Diverse America

In Understanding Human Differences,readers are introduced to sound research grounded in various behavioral and social sciences while featuring a stimulating inquiry approach to support reflection on issues of critical importance in multicultural education in today’s diverse society. The conceptual framework of the book focuses on three areas: culture, the individual, and institutions. Readers are encouraged to examine individual concerns; understand the cultural/historical contexts; and explore such areas as racism, classism, sexism, heterosexism, and ableism. Included is a focus on changes already achieved or that need to be implemented in schools and other areas of society to create a more just society.

Kent L. Koppelman is the author of well-received books on diversity, among them

Values in the Key of Life (2000), a book of essays on diversity and moral issues; Understanding Human Differences (first published in 2005); and The Great Diversity (2012). Dr. Koppelman edited an anthology of readings on diversity published in 2011 by Allyn & Bacon entitled Perspectives on Human Differences. Dr. Koppelman is professor emeritus at University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.

Section 1: Individual Attitudes and Interpersonal Relations

Chapter 1   Understanding Ourselves and Others: Clarifying Values and Language

Chapter 2   Understanding Prejudice and Its Causes

Chapter 3  Communication, Conflict, and Conflict Resolution

Section 2:  Cultural Foundations of Oppression in the United States

Chapter 4   Immigration and Oppression: The Assault on Cultural and Language Diversity

Chapter 5   Race and Oppression: The Experiences of People of Color in America

Chapter 6 Religion and Oppression: The Struggle for Religious Freedom

Chapter 7   Rejecting Oppressive Relationships: The Logic of Cultural Pluralism for a Diverse Society

Section 3: Contemporary Dilemmas for Intergroup Relations

Chapter 8    Racism: Confronting a Legacy of White Domination in America

Chapter 9   Classism: Misperceptions and Myths About Income, Wealth, and Poverty

Chapter 10 Sexism: Where the Personal Becomes Political

Chapter 11 Heterosexism: Transforming Homosexuality from Deviant to Different

Chapter 12 Ableism: Disability Does Not Mean Inability

Section 4: The Challenge of Diversity to American Institutions

Chapter 13 Pluralism in Schools: The Promise of Multicultural Education

Chapter 14 Pluralism in Society: Creating Unity in a Diverse America