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Analysis and criticism of the article ‘African American Men and the Experience
of Employment Discrimination by Sherry N. Mong & Vincent J. Roscigno”

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Sociological study continues to focus on job discrimination and its effects on

marginalized populations in the US. African American men have long faced economic
marginalization, including pay, job, and upward mobility inequalities. These discrepancies are
commonly attributed to discrimination, although it is rarely studied in its own right. In their
essay "African American Men and the Experience of Employment Discrimination," Sherry N.
Mong and Vincent J. Roscigno fill this essential gap in the research by examining African
American men's employment discrimination. Sherry N. Mong and Vincent J. Roscigno's article
"African American Men and the Experience of Employment Discrimination" also fills a gap in
sociological literature by directly examining African American men's employment
discrimination. A unique dataset of verified workplace discrimination complaints provides a
detailed insight of these individuals' struggles for equitable employment prospects.
The essay acknowledges African American men's longstanding economic
marginalization, including pay, job, and upward mobility inequities. As a key factor in these
differences, discrimination must be examined in job contexts. Mong and Roscigno's findings are
concerning. Discriminatory firing is common, highlighting African American men's work
insecurity. The authors also emphasize racial harassment, which is commonly overlooked in
workplace inequality research. This workplace harassment affects African American men's
health and productivity. The essay also discusses hiring and promotion discrimination. Racial
stereotyping influences gatekeepers' organizational decisions. These gatekeepers use "soft skills"
criteria subjectively, which might disqualify African American men and limit their career
advancement. The selective and often targeted employment of neutral organizational policies and
sanctions worsens the issue.
Moreover, the paper analyzes African American men's job discrimination in detail and
methodically. By using confirmed employment discrimination examples, they strengthen their
claims and ensure data accuracy. Mong and Roscigno's research illuminates African American
men's workplace discrimination. It emphasizes the need to examine discriminatory practices
more closely, which can inform workplace racial inequality legislation and research. The paper
emphasizes discrimination, gatekeeper discretion, and racial harassment to question the
traditional focus on structural inequities and offer fresh solutions to this important topic. The
next parts will examine the article's strengths and faults and critically analyze its implications for
comprehending racial discrimination in employment.
Analysis
Mong and Roscigno's paper "African American Men and the Experience of Employment
Discrimination" addresses a relevant sociological issue: African American men's labor market
experiences. The authors examine the forms and processes of discrimination these persons face
in the job market, shedding light on several crucial issues. This analysis examines the article's
strengths and flaws to assess its contribution to workplace racial discrimination knowledge.
Empirical support is a strength of the article. The authors ensure data dependability and
authenticity by using a unique collection of verified workplace discrimination cases. Their
research is more credible and important due to this empirical approach. The sociological
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discourse on African American men is enriched by real-world situations that detail and in-depth
explore the discrimination they confront.
The piece also emphasizes the subtle nature of employment discrimination and its many
facets. African American men face a complex set of issues, including discriminatory termination,
racial harassment, and recruiting and promotion procedures. By directly addressing racial
stereotyping and gatekeeper discretion, the authors highlight the mechanisms that maintain job
inequities by race. This thorough examination provides a sophisticated grasp of the situation.
However, the article may be improved. The empirical data are valuable, however the authors
might provide more background to place their conclusions in the sociological and historical
context.
Additionally, the reader's knowledge and theoretical underpinning for the analysis might
be improved by discussing the historical foundations and systemic reasons that cause African
American men's discrimination. The article's organization is obvious but might be more
cohesive. A more specific and systematic framework for linking the different forms of
discrimination would help readers follow the authors' claims. In the "Data" and "Discriminatory
Forms and the Explication of Process" sections, section transitions should be improved for better
flow and comprehension.
Criticism of the article
"African American Men and the Experience of Employment Discrimination" by Sherry
N. Mong and Vincent J. Roscigno provides useful insights into African American men's
discrimination, yet it has limits. We discuss these flaws in this part to analyze the article
thoroughly. The article's concentration on micro-level discrimination in specific employment
circumstances is a restriction. Verified workplace discrimination cases provide a thorough and
accurate look at individual experiences, but they may not convey the macro-level systemic
reasons that marginalize African American men in the job market. A deeper study of the
structural and historical backdrop of these discriminatory behaviors will improve the essay.
The article's use of confirmed workplace discrimination cases may create selection bias
because not all cases are reported and documented the same manner. The findings'
generalizability is questioned. A more holistic approach might use mixed approaches, combining
qualitative data from discriminatory incidents with quantitative data from surveys or datasets.
The text also fails to offer solutions or policy consequences. It effectively illustrates the job
concerns African American males confront, but it does not offer a solution. A deeper
examination of policy ideas or actions would improve the research's practicality. Although clear,
the article's organization may be improved for reading. The "Data" and "Discriminatory Forms
and the Explication of Process" sections include abrupt section transitions that should be
smoother to assist the reader through the intricate analysis. Finally, the essay might discuss how
age, education, and location affect African American men's discrimination. A more nuanced
analysis that addresses crossing identities would enhance it.
Conclusion
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Sherry N. Mong and Vincent J. Roscigno's "African American Men and the Experience
of Employment Discrimination" covers the discrimination African American men face in finding
equitable employment. Showcasing the complexity of workplace discrimination, the article is a
notable sociological contribution. In this final section, we discuss the article's strengths,
limitations, and implications for recognizing and combating racial discrimination in employment.
Mong and Roscigno's analysis is supported by verifiable workplace discrimination cases,
bolstering their trustworthiness. This scientific methodology and focus on discrimination provide
a nuanced picture of African American men's issues. Racial stereotyping, gatekeeper discretion,
and workplace racial harassment are highlighted in the authors' analysis, expanding our
understanding of the issue.
The article has drawbacks. It may ignore systemic causes by focusing on micro-level
discrimination in specific cases. Verified cases may introduce selection bias, and the article's
organization might be enhanced for clarity and consistency. Additionally, the lack of policy
recommendations makes the future uncertain. In the big picture, this research suggests examining
workplace racial discrimination from micro to macro levels. It emphasizes intersectionality in
understanding how prejudice impacts African American males differently based on their
identities and experiences.
The consequences of this discovery go beyond academia. The post emphasises the need
to confront discrimination against African American men in the real world by publicizing their
experiences. It urges policymakers, organizations, and advocates to provide targeted
interventions, promote diversity and inclusion, and adopt workplace anti-discrimination
regulations. Finally, "African American Men and the Experience of Employment
Discrimination" is an important contribution to labor market racial inequality research. It allows
for more study, policy, and initiatives to reduce discrimination and promote African American
men in work. While imperfect, the article lays the groundwork for a deeper knowledge of this
crucial topic and the necessary workplace changes to promote justice and inclusivity.
References
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Pitcan, M., Park‐Taylor, J., & Hayslett, J. (2018). Black men and racial microaggressions at
work. The Career Development Quarterly, 66(4), 300-314.
Bleich, S. N., Findling, M. G., Casey, L. S., Blendon, R. J., Benson, J. M., SteelFisher, G. K., ...
& Miller, C. (2019). Discrimination in the United States: experiences of black
Americans. Health services research, 54, 1399-1408.