| Research on human differences is a double-edge sword. On the one hand, a preoccupation with the differences among people can lead to stereotyping and provide support for prejudice and discrimination. This was the trap into which certain early pioneers in the mental testing movement fell, a trap set and sprung by those with an ethnocentric philosophy of life and a political agenda rationalized by eugenics. Of course, modern thinkers, whether liberal or conservative in their social and political viewpoints, are not immune to ethnocentrism. This is not surprising when one considers the universality of group pride, social competition, and outgroup hostility. It often seems, as some have argued, that humans have not really grown much in wisdom since Cro-Magnon times and each generation must rediscover tolerance and philanthropy. |
| On the other hand, it can be argued that a knowledge of human diversity is important in understanding and appreciating individuals and cultures that are different from one's own. In fact, a defensible point of view is that, because heterogeneity and hybridization have greater survival value than homogeneity and cloning, they should be encouraged and applauded rather than dwelt upon as causes of social friction. |
| This book is a mixture of concepts and findings from biology, sociology, economics, psychology, and many other natural and social sciences. But because the author is a psychologist, much of the book is about psychology. American psychology developed in the early part of the 20th century in the context of a socioeconomic system that was based on the principle of equity. According to this principle, the goods and services obtained by people should be commensurate with their abilities and efforts. In contrast to the principle of equity, adherence to the principle of equality results in the division of resources equally among individuals who perform many different, but necessary, tasks. Historically, Americans have seemingly straddled the fence between these two principles, a gymnastic exercise that might be simpler if all people were truly created equal. |
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