I. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- To understand that the experience of social disadvantage if not limited to groups defined by race, ethnicity, gender, or religion.
- To understand how the elderly are still a group at a disadvantage, given the ageism in our society.
- To understand how and why older people in the United States are subject to a paradox.
- To explore the advocacy efforts by the elderly.
- To understand the process and consequences of labeling the disabled.
- To explore the ways in which people with disabilities have sought to achieve both respect and opportunities.
- To understand how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a significant step forward.
- To explore the advocacy efforts by the disabled.
- To understand and evaluate how long-term homophobia has made it a challenge for gays and lesbians to go about their lives.
- To explore the advocacy efforts for gay and lesbian rights.
- To understand even though there has been progress made for each of these groups, as well as the racial and ethnic minorities discussed earlier, there still remains a full agenda for further progress.
II. CHAPTER OVERVIEW
While the focus of the text thus far has been on the social disadvantages people experience based on race, ethnicity, religion and gender, unequal treatment extends to other categories of people as well. In the chapter, Schaefer explains how ageism, ableism, and homophobia limit the life chances of many people in the United States. As with racial inequality, improvements have been made, but we cannot ignore the subordination that continues to exist.
