Diversity Matters with Oscar Holmes IV
Season 4 Episode 6
Episode Title: Social Class Mobility
Guest: Dr. Sean Martin
Diversity Matters with Oscar Holmes IV is a podcast that explores all things diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) related. In each episode, Oscar and his guests have lively discussions around DEI topics, explore the latest research on the topic, and discuss the implications so that listeners will be more knowledgeable about the topics and be able to apply the insights to their lives.
Show Summary:
"Society often overlooks people who have been upwardly mobile despite having valuable qualities like persistence, grit, and initiative. To truly create a diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, it is crucial to recognize and value those from less privileged backgrounds." – Dr. Sean Martin
Social mobility is a cornerstone of the American Dream, a beacon of hope that promises anyone can rise above their starting point and achieve success through hard work and determination. Yet, the reality is far more complicated, and social class can have a profound impact on a person's life trajectory.
To shed light on this topic, we have the privilege of welcoming Dr. Sean Martin as the guest chair. With his award-winning research on leadership, organizational culture, and societal contexts' effect on leaders and followers, Dr. Martin is a leading authority on the topic.
In this episode, we'll explore the concept of social class and mobility, the challenges faced by people in different social strata, and the implications for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Join us on this journey as we delve into the fascinating world of social class and its influence on our society.
3 Exceptional Highlights:
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Social class is a position of advantage or disadvantage you have compared to others based on factors like income, education, and occupation, which determine your access to valued resources in society and your ability to succeed.
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Coming from a less privileged background requires building strong community relationships, which are valuable forms of currency for social support. This mindset can lead to good leadership and teamwork skills in the workplace.
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Despite society's positive bias towards individuals who have achieved upward mobility, there still seems to be a hesitancy to hire them.
Show Highlights:
02:51 - What is social class and how Dr. Martin found interest in this research area
07:56 - Understanding the importance of social class and mobility from a DEI perspective
14:43 - The cultural contradiction of valuing upward mobility and the American Dream while stigmatizing those who achieve it
22:28 - Dr. Martin's views on the Varsity Blues scandal and how those with privilege can use it to game the system
23:55 - Various ways in which different systems allow individuals to circumvent rules and regulations, including those that are formalized and encouraged
25:53 - Why labeling the United States as a classless society is a fallacy
27:20 - Is it possible for prestigious institutions or elite organizations to co-exist in a fair and equitable world?
31:17 - Strategies for countervailing the data that suggests growing up in privileged environments leads to a more independent mindset
35:22 - Challenges faced by those in the upper class and their impact on shaping society
39:23 - Further social class research Dr. Martin hopes to investigate
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Important Links:
Dr. Sean Martin - https://www.darden.virginia.edu/faculty-research/directory/sean-martin
Episode Sponsor Links:
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