Race and Ethnicity Overview

Race and Ethnicity

• Race is a label used to classify groups of people based on observable traits like physical attributes (skin color, eye shape), ancestry, social roles, behaviors, and attitudes.
• Ethnicity describes groups with shared cultural traits, including language, religion, and national origin.
• Ethnic groups often feel culturally and socially connected.
• The 2021 Canadian Census reported over 450 ethnic origins and almost 40% of Canadians reported more than one ethnic origin.
• Race is considered a social construct, meaning it's a concept created and defined by society, not biology; it is fluid and changes over time and space.
• The Indian Act, a piece of legislation in effect today, defines Indigenous peoples as a race.

Social Constructs

• Race is a social construct—genes and groups of genes are common to all people.

The Indian Act

• It's a piece of legislation defining Indigenous people as a race. This categorization has historically impacted Indigenous populations across Canada and the United States, creating systemic issues and reduced diverse nations.

Whiteness and Symbolic Representation

• Whiteness constructs people's lives by embodying symbols of dominance, normalcy, and privilege.

Racism

• Racism is a tool used to legitimize, control, dominate, and exploit racialized groups.

Prejudice and Stereotypes

• Prejudice is a negative attitude toward a group.
• Stereotypes are exaggerated generalizations about members of a group.

Discrimination

• Discrimination is acting on prejudiced views, leading to unequal treatment of groups. Examples include job discrimination, unequal pay, and denial of opportunities.

Racism (Prejudice + Power)

• Racism includes prejudice and discrimination, but is supported by power structures.
• It's systemic, meaning ingrained within society's systems and institutions.

Racialization

• Racialization is the process of assigning specific, often negative attributes to a group, leading to discrimination.

Sociological Approaches to Race (Functionalism)

• Functionalism views racism as dysfunctional, as it limits the use of societal resources and exacerbates social problems.
• Discrimination means societal resources are not maximized.
• Racism intensifies social issues like poverty and crime.
• Prejudice and discrimination negatively affect international relations.

Intersectionality

• Intersectionality acknowledges that various inequalities (of race, gender, class, etc.) combine to create unique experiences of oppression;
• These experiences can negatively impact health, happiness, and safety.

How Social Movements Impact Public Health

• Social movements bring awareness and change, impacting public health.

Explore the complex concepts of race and ethnicity. Understand how race is defined as a social construct and the various cultural attributes that form ethnic identities. This quiz delves into the implications of the Indian Act and the diversity reported in Canada.