The social hierarchy of discrimination in McClenton School

Based on ‘The Skin I’m In’ by Sharon G Flake

What is a social hierarchy?

Hierarchy (noun)

A system of organization where people or groups are ranked above one another according to status or authority

Synonyms:Line of dominance, chain of command, power structure, social pyramid

How might a social hierarchy benefit or harm a society?

Benefit

• Identifies a leader/authority figure

• Everyone knows where they belong

• Clear chain of command• Useful in societies such as

the military, government etc• Can give people the

motivation to aspire for more in life

Harm

• Social dominance can lead to discrimination and bullying

• Segregation• Unequal rights• Stereotyping• People can be classified by

superficial criteria• In societies like schools it leads to

cliques and turf wars• People become unmotivated

because they see no opportunity to move between social groups

• Not internationally minded

McClenton society

• Place the following people in the social order you think they belong.

• Maleeka• John-John• Charlese• Ms. Saunders• Caleb• Raise

‘Step Inside’: getting to know your character

Think about the culture of

DISCRIMINATION at McClenton High School

If you could ‘step inside’ your character, what would they see, feel and think about the culture

of McClenton?

Answer these questions from your character’s perspective:

1. What do I see, observe or notice about McClenton School?

2. What do I know, understand or believe about McClenton School?

3. What do I care about, when it comes to McClenton School?

4. What questions or wonderings do I have about McClenton School?

Activity

• Each person researches their assigned character. You must research the points below using the novel and present to the class. Presentation should include specific quotes and evidence.

1. Who is this person in McClenton society? – Level of intelligence, manner of speaking, manner in which they are

addressed, physical appearance, respect from others

2. What are their values: what do they think of themselves?3. What do others think of them? 4. What assumptions are made about this character? 5. What stereotypes come into play?

What would your character say about these values?

• All men are created equal• The strong are responsible for taking care of

the weak, whether they want help or not.• People only care about themselves• You’ll never know a man until you walk in his

shoes.

Write a statement from your character’s perspective explaining their feelings about these values on a sticky note

Where would your character’s values place them on the value line?

1. Present your character’s views2. Decide where your character belongs on the

values line

Agree Disagree

I used to think…now I think…In your books, reflect on how your feelings and ideas about discrimination may

be changing

What did you think about discrimination when we started this novel?

I used to think…

How do you feel now? Has anything you know changed?

Now I think…

Bibliography

• Step Inside/’I used to think…now I think’ thinking routines adapted from: Ritchhart, Ron. Church, Mark. Morrison, Karin. Making Thinking Visible. San Fransisco: Jossey-Bass, 2011

• Image on PPT cover:Flake, Sharon G. “The Skin I’m In.” Sharon Flake. 2008. 3 May 2013. <http://www.sharongflake.com/books/skin/>