Review of Overcoming Systemic Prejudice and Discrimination
-
George Turner
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 19 Nov 2024, 12:50
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 3
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-george-turner.html
- Latest Review: Knight's Tour by Earl James
Review of Overcoming Systemic Prejudice and Discrimination
[Following is a volunteer review of "Overcoming Systemic Prejudice and Discrimination" by J. Dawson Williams, D. Min..]
J. Dawson Williams’ Overcoming Systemic Prejudice and Discrimination is a thorough investigation into the concept of ethical resilience as a tool to confront and tackle institutional bias. Williams relies on decades of experience in counseling and consulting activity to define in detail the elaborate workings of discrimination as it exists in social and organizational contexts and presents practical ways of dealing with this problem, both for individuals and for leaders.
The strong point of the book is that it adopts a twofold diagnosis of systemic bias and a claw-back resilience model. Williams commences the exploratory section by outlining key terms such as prejudice and discrimination, and associated concepts of institutions. He exposes how the very system abuses and exploits groups of individuals through real-life examples and case studies, including but not limited to advancement opportunities, interaction, and resources. “Pitfalls and stepping stones” is one of the concepts he has introduced which I find to be the most interesting as it explains how the same obstacles may be a source of distress to some while a source of advancement to others depending on the ethical state of a person
Williams echoes a similar wave by tackling discrimination and its psychological and sociological components, introducing words such as “biasology” which refers to manipulating a system to the advantage of the bias originator. He explores the 'vicious circle of biases' including confirmation bias, authority bias, and others, and articulates the strategies embedded in inequality using those biases. His treatment of such issues as self-fulfilling prophecies and microaggressions and their toll on a person makes it clear that such systems cannot go on unchanged. The power dynamics at play that oppress some groups and elevate others, are further illustrated by workplace concepts like ‘team member versus team player’.
This book is an in-depth analysis of systemic discrimination, presenting actionable recommendations and helpful structures based on ethical tenacity. Although the book offers useful resources for individuals, the importance of structural reforms on a collective level to support personal approaches is downplayed. The Christian religious conceptualization communicated through the text may serve its purpose to some readers but might also limit its acceptance by a wider universal audience. Furthermore, some concepts were explained repetitively and the academic language used was at times very heavy, affecting the overall accessibility and presentability of the book to a small extent. Thus, the book deserves a 4 out of 5 stars rating.
In summation, Overcoming Systemic Prejudice and Discrimination represents an important stride in the contemporary discourse on ethics and leadership, and, indeed, social justice. Williams’ insights and strategies are not only pertinent but rather necessary in today’s divided society. This volume is a must-read for any leader, educator, and person willing to work to promote fairness and equality. It invigorates the readers, in particular, to embrace ethical resilience to fight injustice and forge a better world. It
******
Overcoming Systemic Prejudice and Discrimination
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
J. Dawson Williams’ Overcoming Systemic Prejudice and Discrimination is a thorough investigation into the concept of ethical resilience as a tool to confront and tackle institutional bias. Williams relies on decades of experience in counseling and consulting activity to define in detail the elaborate workings of discrimination as it exists in social and organizational contexts and presents practical ways of dealing with this problem, both for individuals and for leaders.
The strong point of the book is that it adopts a twofold diagnosis of systemic bias and a claw-back resilience model. Williams commences the exploratory section by outlining key terms such as prejudice and discrimination, and associated concepts of institutions. He exposes how the very system abuses and exploits groups of individuals through real-life examples and case studies, including but not limited to advancement opportunities, interaction, and resources. “Pitfalls and stepping stones” is one of the concepts he has introduced which I find to be the most interesting as it explains how the same obstacles may be a source of distress to some while a source of advancement to others depending on the ethical state of a person
Williams echoes a similar wave by tackling discrimination and its psychological and sociological components, introducing words such as “biasology” which refers to manipulating a system to the advantage of the bias originator. He explores the 'vicious circle of biases' including confirmation bias, authority bias, and others, and articulates the strategies embedded in inequality using those biases. His treatment of such issues as self-fulfilling prophecies and microaggressions and their toll on a person makes it clear that such systems cannot go on unchanged. The power dynamics at play that oppress some groups and elevate others, are further illustrated by workplace concepts like ‘team member versus team player’.
This book is an in-depth analysis of systemic discrimination, presenting actionable recommendations and helpful structures based on ethical tenacity. Although the book offers useful resources for individuals, the importance of structural reforms on a collective level to support personal approaches is downplayed. The Christian religious conceptualization communicated through the text may serve its purpose to some readers but might also limit its acceptance by a wider universal audience. Furthermore, some concepts were explained repetitively and the academic language used was at times very heavy, affecting the overall accessibility and presentability of the book to a small extent. Thus, the book deserves a 4 out of 5 stars rating.
In summation, Overcoming Systemic Prejudice and Discrimination represents an important stride in the contemporary discourse on ethics and leadership, and, indeed, social justice. Williams’ insights and strategies are not only pertinent but rather necessary in today’s divided society. This volume is a must-read for any leader, educator, and person willing to work to promote fairness and equality. It invigorates the readers, in particular, to embrace ethical resilience to fight injustice and forge a better world. It
******
Overcoming Systemic Prejudice and Discrimination
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Knight's Tour by Earl James
