Allan Johnson

Privilege Power and Difference

Chapter 1: Privilege, Oppression and Difference

"Difference is Not the Problem"

If difference isn't the problem, what is?

"Mapping Difference: Who are We?"

What is the significance of locating yourself on the "diversity wheel?"

"The Social Construction of Difference"

What does "social construction" mean in this context?

"What is Privilege"

How does Johnson define privilege and what are some of the examples he uses to describe it?

"Two Types of Privilege"

Describe these two types of privilege and how they are related to Peggy McIntosh's definition.

Privilege as Paradox"

What does "paradox" mean in this case and why does Johnson say it is essential to understanding the nature of privilege?

"Oppression: The Flip Side of Privilege"

How are privilege and oppression related to one another?

Chapter 2: Making Privilege Happen

"Avoidance, Exclusion, Rejection and Worse"

What does Johnson mean when he says that privilege "happens?" What examples does he provide of "avoidance, exclusion, and rejection."

"A Problem for Whom?"

Why is privilege a problem for non-oppressed groups?

"And That's Not All"

Why is privilege a problem for institutions and groups as well as individuals?

"We Can't Heal Until the Wounding Stops"

What's the relationship between "racial healing" as Johnson discusses it and the idea that Obama's election ushered in a "post-racial" world?

Chapter 5: The Trouble with the Trouble

What kinds of problems are generated by ordinary ways of thinking about "diversity?"