Running Head: SUBORDINATE AND DOMINATE ANALYSIS

Subordinate and Dominate Analysis

Destiney Pattillo
Georgia State University

SUBORDINATE AND DOMINATE ANALYSIS

Abstract
Here is presented a personal analysis surrounding the idea that there are dominate and
subordinate groups in our society. Individuals are multidimensional and in some cases they may
be dominate, but in other areas of their lives they may be viewed as subordinate. The basis of this
exercise was to examine ones self and use personal experiences to determine dominate and
subordinate group membership. According to research majority status is defined by power and
control one group has over another. The minority group on the other hand is oppressed, and
unable to access the same privileges. This phenomenon occurs when one rank is able to access
more resources, while the other is taken advantage of (Lum, 2011, pg. 88). Society has relied on
this system of rank all throughout history, and in many ways it is still in control today. This
experiment showed that every person represents many different groups, some privileged, and
some oppressed.

SUBORDINATE AND DOMINATE ANALYSIS

Introduction
There are benefits to being the powerful group in society, and power is granted to
individuals of the majority. Dominance occurs when privileged groups are granted power over
oppressed populations. This type of privilege can come in many different forms. It can occur as
better resources, better opportunity, better pay, and in some cases it comes with sociological
respect. The privileged groups are able to hold their position by oppressing other populations. In
many cases the use of stereotypes are placed on the subordinate groups as ways to explain the
scenario, when in actuality it is a very calculated and cultured phenomenon. Since the beginning
of American history people have desired power over other groups, and this mentality still exists
in society today. It is now very hidden, and it takes an analysis like this one to realize just how
prevalent this issue still is today.

Subordinate
This analysis opened my eyes to the fact that individuals fall into many different
subordinate groups and dominate groups. As a young adult, and student many struggle with
oppression in the work place. The fact that a student has no degree sends the message that they
must not have any qualifications. The students at work have more responsibilities on their plate,
and seem to just follow the lead of the higher educated workers. This does make sense in the
business world, but in numerous cases the young workers get taken advantage of.
Also, women in the work place fall into a subordinate group. For example, working at a
golf course country club sexist comments are made very often at the female workers. Men feel
women are inferior, and show that disrespect is acceptable when it is directed towards a young
female worker. This population is viewed as their servants in a way, and the entitlement factor
they use is extremely belittling. This is related to topics discussed in the Culturally Competent
Research textbook. Based on the text and the figure found on page 93 men dont see this as a
problem in many cases because it solidifies their personal empowerment (Lum, 2011, pg. 93).
Research shows that this trend is problematic across many different facets. These issues of power
imbalances effect women in the work force, public, and school atmosphere (Denise Salin, 2015,
pg. 2). In the work place alone two different forms of subordination take place sexism, and also
ageism.
Another group that shows subordination is the middle class. Although, the middle class is
not as oppressed as the lower class, I still feel it is subordinate to the system. For example, the
working classs children do not receive help or aid for college simply because of the middle class
income numbers. In actuality this is not fair, and gives power of resources to low income student,
but not at all to families who fall in the middle. Also high income students do not need the help
in many cases so both the low and high income students get access to better recourses when it

SUBORDINATE AND DOMINATE ANALYSIS

comes to college. This is an example of how dominance comes with privileges and in this case
the privilege is resources.

Dominant
The most life altering group of dominance many people find themselves apart of is the
white American population. Since taking social work, and sociology classes it has become more
apparent to me, just how privileged this population is in society. One avenue that shows white
privilege is in the school system. Being a white, middle class female gives students unnecessary
second chances. Research shows that not only is white privilege a major problem in the
education system, but it stems at all levels from elementary to college (Wanda J. Blanchett,
2015.) One study by Wanda J. Blanchett focused on the misplacement of African American
students in Special Education classes compared to their white counter parts. This article touches
on what occurs all around the country in classrooms. African American students are pushed
aside, while white students are catered to (Wanda J. Blanchett, 2015, pg. 12).
Also where an individual grows up can influence dominance. Due to certain locations
people are granted more education, more resources, and better opportunity. Young kids on the
other side of town get the exact opposite. Students success is strongly based on environmental
influences, and when environments are not equal across the board it is unfair. Juveniles base
decision making on peer influence, and environmental influences, which means the children
brought up on the wealthy side of town have an automatic privilege (Rubin, 2003, pg. 21). The
type of education an individual receives is also based on privilege. Students graduating from low
income high schools are less likely to be prepared for college simply because of the location of
their school. Urban schools are suffering simply due to a lack of resources while wealthy schools
are profiting (Melissa Roderick, 2009).
Not only are students dominant over other more oppressed students, but teachers are also
dominant over students. Teachers can show discrimination in subtle ways which ultimately
oppresses certain individuals. It is a major power struggle between students and teachers, where
ultimately due to the power of education and age the teacher always wins the battle. In many
cases this leaves students feeling small, with no voice because the role of power between
teachers, and students. For example, if a student feels discriminated against and tries to voice that
concern automatically other adults discredit the complaint. This shows that privilege comes with
titles, and also age in general. The children in the school system will always be viewed as the
subordinate group, and it is nearly impossible to prove that a teacher has taken advantage of their
power.
Conclusion

SUBORDINATE AND DOMINATE ANALYSIS

Looking at how strong the resources are in my home town shows firsthand how the
dominate groups in society receive numerous benefits. It was very interesting to analyze how
someone with very dominant privileges also is oppressed in certain areas. The amount of
discrimination that still occurs in the school and work place is shocking, and it is obvious that it
goes unnoticed. Sexism and ageism both were discussed as occurring at the same job which goes
to show that oppression piles on itself. It is very much still a problem in our society today and
without acknowledging these trends it is impossible to stop them.

SUBORDINATE AND DOMINATE ANALYSIS

References
Blanchett, W. J. (2006). Disapproproate Representation of African American Students in Special
Education . Educational Researcher, 4.
Lum. (2011). Culturally Competent Practise. Belmont, CA: Cengrage Learning .
Melissa Roderick, J. N. (2009). College Readiness For All . The Future of Children , 30.
Salin, D. (2003). Ways of Explaining Workplace Bullying: A Review of Enabling, Motivating
and Precipitating Structures and Processes in the Work Environment. Human Relations ,
23.