Kryachkov 2!indd

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Д. А. Крячков
UNIT II
Ex. 20. Discuss your answers to these questions. Use the active vocabulary and the 
phrases from Ex. 15, 16 and 17.
A. Sexism
The West has long been walking on eggshells about equal treatment of men and women, be 
it in the workplace or everyday life. The attention given to ‘oppression of women’ has elevated 
it to the status of a major social problem. 
a) Is similar importance attached to sexism in Russia? The country/region you specialize in? 
Why (not)? 
b) Do you think there are cultures where sexism is endemic? 
c) Discuss the role of women in Russia/the countries or regions you specialize in. You may 
want to provide a historical perspective of the problem, dwell on women’s marriage, di-
vorce, child custody, or inheritance rights, compare vocational opportunities men and 
women have, point out (fe)male-dominated industries (and whether such gender prefer-
ences are justified), discuss the concept of “women’s proper place” and other stereotypes 
harbored by men (society in general), assess the role of feminist movements.
B. Ageism 
William Shakespeare wrote, “Crabbed age and youth cannot live together.” Little seems to have 
changed since those times, and despite the looming generation imbalance, some old people 
find it increasingly difficult to get along with the younger generation and feel discriminated 
against, especially in the workplace. 
a) What stereotypical assumptions is ageism based on? 
b) How can these stereotypes be excluded from the workplace and everyday life? 
c) What are the advantages of having an older employee on the staff? 
d) How widespread do you think ageism is in this country? In the country/region you spe-
cialize in? 
e) Is age discrimination endemic in society? 
f ) Should the government take action to give older people the rights and equality they 
need and deserve? 
g) Are young people ever discriminated against?
C. Racism
As ethnically homogeneous societies are not numerous, the issue of interaction between 
ethnic groups is high on the agenda all over the world. 
a) Does ethnic diversity inevitably lead to ethnic division and conflict? 
b) Define race and ethnic discrimination. 
c) Speak about major legal instruments in this area (e.g. the International Convention on 
the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination — 1965). 
d) What ethnic groups most often experience discriminatory treatment in Russia and the 
countries/regions you specialize in? 
e) What forms can discrimination take? 
f ) What roles do cultural and religious factors assume? 
g) In some countries, inter-ethnic tension can be compounded by the activities of various 
supremacist groups, such as skinheads in Russia. Are they just a ‘bunch of hooligans’, a 
puppet movement, or a serious political force? 

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