For years, the United States has been recognized as the melting pot of diversification because it hosts a wide range of ethnic groups, from Whites, African Americans to Indigenous populations. Despite the country’s pride in diversification, the United States remains one of the most stratified western countries, an aspect that has been made more visible by the current COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has widened social inequality in the country, with lives in some racial populations being completely disrupted compared to other social groups. Therefore, the planned research will explore the patterns of inequality among minority groups in the United States, notably African Americans, brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rationale for Choosing African Americans
One of the reasons for selecting African Americans as the social group of exploration in this research is because of the existing literature, which suggests that the population is highly marginalized in the United States. Most notably, studies reveal that African Americans are more discriminated against and treated unfairly than other ethnic groups (Lewis and Dyke 176). As a result of this marginalization, most African Americans lack equal opportunities within American society. Therefore, the existing social inequality against African Americans will provide a more comprehensive view of some of the patterns and facilitators of inequality that have emerged among minority races.
Importance of the Study
From a sociological perspective, understanding the manner in which COVID-19 is increasing inequality will help strengthen the existing literature on influences of racial background on health status and access to health care and other economic factors. Most notably, the study will help identify the manner in which social stratification increases the vulnerability of African Americans to health issues. Also, the study will provide evidence for policymakers to use in the development of policies that will help address social inequality effectively.
Approach of the Study
The proposed research will be conducted using a multidisciplinary approach that involves the analysis of statistics and synthesis of current research on the topic. Most notably, the current statistics on COVID-19 cases among African Americans relative to other groups will be used to develop a comprehensive report on the pattern of social inequality among minority races. Also, existing literature on COVID-19 will be used to describe the impact of the pandemic on African Americans.
Annotated Bibliography
Baranauckas, Carla, and Stebbins, Samuel. “Minorities are Disproportionately Affected by COVID-19. This is How it Varies by State.” USA Today, 21 Jul. 2020, www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/07/21/how-covid-19-has-disproportionately-affected-minority-communities-in-every-state/41764053/. Accessed 17 September 2020.
This newspaper article delves into the manner in which minority groups in the United States have disproportionately being affected by COVID-19 across different states. The authors of the article also highlight some of the factors that might account for the disproportionate impact of the pandemic across ethnic groups, such racial minority populations falling into groups considered at risk of serious COVID-19 cases (Baranauckas and Stebbins). This article shall be used to address the reason why the pandemic has affected the American population disproportionately.
Fisher, Max, and Budola, Emma. “As Coronavirus Deepens Inequality, Inequality Worsens Its Spread.” The New York Times, 15 Mar. 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/03/15/world/europe/coronavirus-inequality.html. Accessed 17 September 2020.
The article focuses on COVID-19 and its impact on inequality in the United States. Also, the authors of the article explore the manner in which the pandemic has widened inequality in the country, such as by pushing many of the burdens to people in the lower economic strata (Fisher and Budola). This source shall be used to provide more support for COVID-19 and its role in enhancing social inequality in the United States.
Kantamneni, Neeta. “The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Marginalized Populations in the United States: A Research Agenda.” Journal of Vocational Behavior, vol.119, no.103439, 2020, pp.1-5
The article explores the manner in which the COVID-19 pandemic may affect people of different colors, income backgrounds, and gender. Notably, the author of the article argues that crises, such as COVID-19, exacerbate disparities because resources are limited (Kantamneni 1). This article will provide evidence on the impact that the pandemic has had on African Americans, who are minority groups in the country.
Works Cited
Baranauckas, Carla, and Stebbins, Samuel. “Minorities are Disproportionately Affected by COVID-19. This is How it Varies by State.” USA Today, 21 Jul. 2020, www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/07/21/how-covid-19-has-disproportionately-affected-minority-communities-in-every-state/41764053/. Accessed 17 September 2020.
Fisher, Max, and Budola, Emma. “As Coronavirus Deepens Inequality, Inequality Worsens Its Spread.” The New York Times, 15 Mar. 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/03/15/world/europe/coronavirus-inequality.html. Accessed 17 September 2020.
Kantamneni, Neeta. “The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Marginalized Populations in the United States: A Research Agenda.” Journal of Vocational Behavior, vol.119, no.103439, 2020, pp.1-5
Lewis, Tene, and Dyke, Miriam. “Discrimination and the Health of African Americans: The Potential Importance of Intersectionalities.” Current Directions in Psychological Science, vol. 27, no. 3, 2018, pp.176-182.