Recognition Injustice

Chapter 04 highlights the pivotal system, culture, its meaning, and related concepts. Swidler&s;s metaphor, culture as a toolbox, is explained. I examine cultural stratification, the ranking of persons by status. I elaborate on the metaphor of the color line used by Du Bois to characterize the barricades excluding persons of color from prestigious systems. The chapter introduces recognition, reviews Honneth&s;s typology, and operationalizes the process of recognition. Collin&s;s interaction ritual theory is offered as an explanation of microaggressions. I discuss categorizing, compare it to mail sorting, and illustrate it in schools that use categorization to block the advancement of low-value students. I discuss the intersectionality concept of “isms” as forms of ideology. I show how recognition injustice is supported by pejorative stereotypes. Applying Blumer&s;s theory, I examine the factors used to keep out-groups in their place near the bottom. Recognition denial is illustrated by the case of African Americans exposed to violent police officers. Precarity statistics regarding Black lives are shared. Domestic maids are presented as a vulnerable population. Ending with possibilities, I share a characterization of social work as committed to recognition justice and offer the example of long-term care practices in Finland.