Critical Race Theory Overview

Questions and Answers

What is Critical Race Theory (CRT)?

A movement interested in studying race, racism, and power (correct)

A method for teaching mathematics

A environmental science theory

A theory focused on economics

What does the term 'Micro-aggression' refer to?

Small acts of racism (correct)

Political statements

Large scale discrimination

Aggressive physical acts

What are the six tenets of CRT?

Ordinariness, Interest Convergence, Social Construction of Race, Differential Racialization, Intersectionality, A Unique Voice of Color

What is 'Ordinariness' in the context of CRT?

Racism is common Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Interest Convergence'?

When the interests of blacks and whites converge, but white people only support because there is something in it for them. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'Social Construction Theory'?

A made up phenomenon that is scientifically discredited Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Differential Racialization' mean?

When the dominant society racializes different minority groups at different times in response to shifting needs. Signup and view all the answers

Explain 'Intersectionality'.

People are a combination of different social categories and thus have multiple identities. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'A Unique Voice of Color' imply?

Minority writers writing about their experiences with oppression that white counterparts are unlikely to understand. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Hypo-descent'?

A mixed child takes on the racial classification of the parent from the racially subordinate group. Signup and view all the answers

Define an 'Idealist' in the context of CRT.

Thinks racism and discrimination are matters of thinking, mental categorization, attitude, and discourse. Signup and view all the answers

Define a 'Realist' in the context of CRT.

Thinks while attitudes and words are important, racism is more than that and determines allocation of privilege and status. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Social Stratification'?

A pattern in society that ranks and categorizes people into social positions. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Hierarchy' refer to?

A pyramid indicating the pecking order of ranking in society. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'Capitalism'.

An economic system where resources are privately owned and operated for profit. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Surplus Labor'?

Workers work for more than what they are paid for. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'Race'?

A scientifically discredited idea that humans can be divided into biologically distinct groups. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'Phenotype'.

Visible characteristics of an organism. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Ethnicity' refer to?

Distinctive social and cultural heritage shared by a group. Signup and view all the answers

What is an 'Ethnic Group'?

A group of people connected by shared history, language, and culture. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'Primordialism'.

The intuitive bond that focuses on culture and tradition. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Instrumentalism'?

An ethnic group uses their ethnicity as a strategic tool or resource. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'Pan Ethnicity'.

It deals with structure not culture and consolidates various groups into one. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Racism'?

A system of beliefs that divides humans into distinct groups Signup and view all the answers

What does 'White Supremacy' promote?

The superiority of white people Signup and view all the answers

What does 'People of Color' refer to?

Non-European members of historically oppressed ethnic groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Genetic Elasticity'?

Tendency of humans to have a wide range of physical traits not limited to one group. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'Social/Economic Class'.

A group of people who occupy the same relative economic rank in society. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Wealth'?

All goods and resources that have economic value owned by a person. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'Income'.

The amount of money one regularly receives for work or investments. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Critical Race Theory (CRT)

Movement among activists and scholars to explore and transform race, racism, and power dynamics in society.
Seeks to understand societal organization along racial lines and advocate for positive change.

Micro-aggression

Refers to subtle, often unconscious, racist acts derived from cultural heritage.
Represents small but impactful instances of racial discrimination.

Six Tenets of CRT

Includes Ordinariness, Interest Convergence, Social Construction of Race, Differential Racialization, Intersectionality, and A Unique Voice of Color.

Ordinariness

Highlights that racism is a common aspect of everyday life and social interactions.

Interest Convergence

Concept that support for racial justice from white individuals often arises only when it aligns with their own interests.

Argues that race is a fabricated concept with no scientific basis and can be deconstructed.

Differential Racialization

Dominant society racializes minority groups differently based on shifting economic needs or labor market conditions.

Intersectionality

Emphasizes that individuals possess multiple social identities that intersect, creating unique experiences of oppression.

A Unique Voice of Color

Refers to the perspectives and experiences shared by minority writers regarding their experiences with adversity, often not understood by white individuals.

Hypo-descent

Mixed-race individuals are categorized as belonging to the racial group of the parent from the subordinate group.

Idealist Perspective

Believes racism stems from cognitive processes and attitudes, suggesting that race can be reshaped through social critique.

Realist Perspective

Argues that racism extends beyond attitudes, influencing access to privilege and determining social status.

Describes a societal pattern that ranks individuals based on class, race, gender, and social status, leading to unequal distribution of resources and opportunities.

Hierarchy

Represents the structured ranking of individuals or groups in society.

Capitalism

Economic system characterized by private ownership of resources and tools for profit, often resulting in exploitation of workers and socioeconomic disparities.

Surplus Labor

Occurs when workers contribute more value to their labor than they are compensated.

Race

Discredited concept that divides humans into genetically distinct groups based on physical traits; recognized as a social and political construct with real consequences.

Phenotype

Encompasses the observable characteristics of an organism, influenced by a combination of chance, context, and personal choices.

Ethnicity

Refers to the unique social and cultural heritage shared by a group of individuals.

Ethnic Group

Defined as a collection of individuals tied by common history, language, beliefs, traditions, and customs.

Primordialism

Focuses on the innate bond among people based on shared culture and tradition, emphasizing belief and worldview.

Instrumentalism

Describes ethnic groups using their identity strategically to achieve certain goals.

Pan Ethnicity

Involves grouping various ethnicities into broader categories, such as combining Japanese, Korean, and Chinese under "Asian."

Racism

A belief system that claims biological divisions among humans, establishes hierarchical superiority/inferiority, and promotes the dominance of the so-called superior race.

White Supremacy

Ideology asserting the genetic and cultural superiority of white individuals over non-whites.

People of Color

Term referring to individuals from non-European, historically marginalized ethnic backgrounds.

Genetic Elasticity

The concept that human physical traits vary widely and are not confined to any single racial group.

Social/Economic Class

Describes groups sharing similar economic statuses, income levels, and education, leading to shared experiences and opportunities.

Wealth

Comprises all economically valuable goods and resources owned by an individual.

Income

Represents the regular monetary earnings from employment or investments.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamentals of Critical Race Theory (CRT), including its core tenets and concepts. Understand key aspects such as micro-aggressions, interest convergence, and the social construction of race. Ideal for anyone interested in social justice and racial dynamics.