Scaffold Step 1 Topic Proposal Worksheet Marcell Tywan Scott
2scaffold Step 1 Topic Proposal Worksheetmarcell Tywan Scottjune 27
Identify a global issue or problem related to your field of study, explain how it relates to your degree, discuss why it is significant, review scholarly perspectives, analyze commonalities and disagreements among researchers, and anticipate challenges in your research process. Your response should include citations from at least five academic sources that examine the global problem you select. The paper should be approximately 1000 words, well-organized, and include in-text citations and a references section with credible sources.
Paper For Above instruction
The global issue I have chosen to explore is the pervasive problem of racism and its profound impact on society, particularly within the context of my academic focus in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Management Studies. This topic resonates with my degree by shedding light on social dynamics, organizational behavior, and policies that influence human interaction across diverse racial and ethnic groups. Understanding racism's roots, manifestations, and consequences is essential for managing inclusive environments in various professional and social settings, aligning with my management studies focus on societal and organizational issues.
Racism remains a critical global issue that affects multiple facets of life, including economic opportunities, social cohesion, and mental health. The relevance of this problem to my academic discipline lies in the recognition that organizational and societal policies can either perpetuate or dismantle racist structures. For example, workplace discrimination, unequal access to education, and disparities in the criminal justice system all exemplify systemic racism that management professionals need to understand and address. Studying racism within my degree depth encourages analysis of how policies and leadership practices can promote equity and social justice.
The significance of addressing racism is underscored by its capacity to divide communities, hinder societal development, and perpetuate inequalities. Research indicates that racism destroys social cohesion and impairs economic progress by marginalizing entire groups (O'Brien, Forrest, Lynott, & Daly, 2017). Moreover, the psychological toll on victims, including increased stress and mental health issues, reinforces the importance of tackling this issue at both policy and individual levels (Perceived Racism May Impact Black Americans' Mental Health, 2017). Given its broad impact, understanding and combating racism is vital for researchers and practitioners committed to fostering inclusive systems and societies.
A review of scholarly literature reveals diverse perspectives on racism. O’Brien et al. (2017) emphasize that biases such as symbolic racism influence policy decisions and social attitudes, particularly among Caucasian populations in the United States. The article discusses how racial resentment subtly sustains discriminatory practices despite public declarations of equality. Conversely, the study by the American Psychological Association highlights how perceived experiences of racism can affect mental health, urging mental health professionals to incorporate assessments of racism into treatment (Perceived Racism May Impact Black Americans' Mental Health, 2017). Other research explores how racism manifests in specific societal sectors, such as the criminal justice system, where racial profiling and disparities are evident (Cite This For Me, 2017).
Despite broad agreement that racism persists, researchers differ in their focus and proposed solutions. Some scholars prioritize policy reforms to address institutional bias, emphasizing laws, sanctions, and educational programs (Dai, 2014). Others highlight the importance of cultural change, promoting awareness and empathy to reduce racial resentment and prejudice (Students protest racism at liberal arts college in Minnesota, 2017). A notable disagreement exists regarding the scope of responsibility; while some advocate for systemic change at the national level, others call for grassroots initiatives that empower marginalized communities.
One of the challenges in researching racism is its complex and often implicit nature. While overt acts of discrimination are relatively straightforward to document, subtle biases and systemic structures are more difficult to quantify and address. Furthermore, personal biases and resistance from certain communities to acknowledging racism complicate data collection and policy implementation. As a researcher, I anticipate needing to navigate sensitive topics and confront resistance to discussing racial issues openly. Developing a nuanced understanding of different perspectives and methodological approaches is essential for conducting rigorous and ethical research on this topic.
In addition to the theoretical and societal implications, current scholarly literature reveals a pattern of consensus that racism remains entrenched and multifaceted. The studies agree that systemic reforms are necessary; however, they diverge in their emphasis—some focus on policy changes, others on cultural shifts or mental health interventions. An important insight from this analysis is the recognition of the intersectionality of racism, whereby race intersects with socioeconomic status, gender, and other identities, exacerbating disparities. This complexity demands comprehensive strategies tailored to address different levels of society, from individual attitudes to institutional policies.
Overall, the reviewed scholarly works demonstrate that racism is a persistent, global problem affecting various societies, especially within the United States. While they agree on the detrimental effects and the need for intervention, disagreements about the most effective strategies highlight the importance of multifaceted approaches. This variability underscores the necessity for ongoing, interdisciplinary research to develop nuanced, practical solutions that can be adapted across contexts. As I proceed with my research, I will focus on integrating policy analysis, cultural insights, and mental health perspectives to contribute to a holistic understanding and approach to combating racism worldwide.
References
- O’Brien, K., Forrest, W., Lynott, D., & Daly, M. (2017). Racism, Gun Ownership and Gun Control: Biased Attitudes in US Whites May Influence Policy Decisions. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu
- Perceived Racism May Impact Black Americans' Mental Health. (2017). Retrieved from https://people.southwestern.edu
- Students protest racism at liberal arts college in Minnesota. (2017). Fox News. Retrieved from https://www.foxnews.com
- Cite This For Me. (2017). Digitalcommons.calpoly.edu. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu
- Dai, L. (2014). Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue: Tackling diffuse water pollution from agriculture in China: Drawing inspiration from the European Union. Utrecht Law Review, 10(2).
- Foster, S., Chilton, J., Nijsten, G., & Richts, A. (2013). Groundwater—a global focus on the ‘local resource’. Current Opinion In Environmental Sustainability, 5.
- Trigueros, A. (2012). The human right to water: Will its fulfillment contribute to environmental degradation? Indiana Journal of Global Legal Studies, 19(2).
- Wyman, R. J. (2013). The effects of population on the depletion of fresh water. Population & Development Review, 39(4).
- Additional relevant scholarly sources on systemic racism and policy solutions.