Sociology Exam 2 - Race & Ethnicity

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Questions and Answers

How do sociologists define race?

Race is a group of people who share physical characteristics that are passed on through reproduction; it is not biological, but a social invention.

How do sociologists define ethnicity?

Ethnicity is based on a group of people who share basic cultural features and identify with each other based on common social, cultural, and national experiences.

What is an ethnic group?

An ethnic group is a group of people who share basic cultural features.

How do sociologists define minority?

A minority is a group with less power, resources, and opportunity that is subject to different treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What do sociologists mean by racial or ethnic minority groups?

Racial or ethnic minority groups are those considered inferior to others based on distinct physical and cultural characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What is prejudice, and why is it attitude-based?

Prejudice is forming an opinion before becoming aware of relevant facts; it is based on attitude because it represents a belief as opposed to an action. Signup and view all the answers

What is discrimination, and why is it action-based?

Discrimination is the prejudicial treatment of an individual based on their group membership; it is action-based because it reflects how people actually treat others. Signup and view all the answers

What do sociologists mean by institutional discrimination?

Institutional discrimination refers to systemic deprivation of equal access. Signup and view all the answers

What do sociologists mean by color-blind racism?

Color-blind racism refers to the disregard of racial characteristics when selecting individuals for activities or services. Signup and view all the answers

What is De Jure segregation?

De Jure segregation is legal segregation. Signup and view all the answers

What is De Facto segregation?

De Facto segregation is segregation that occurs in fact, regardless of the law. Signup and view all the answers

What is the functionalist approach to race/ethnicity and inequality?

The functionalist approach suggests that prejudice and discrimination can be dysfunctional, providing benefits for dominant groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is the conflict approach to race/ethnicity and inequality?

The conflict approach indicates ongoing strife between dominant and minority groups, leading to economic inequality and social stratification. Signup and view all the answers

What is the exploitation approach to race/ethnicity and inequality?

The exploitation approach posits that prejudice and discrimination are part of the capitalist enterprise, maintaining wages for all workers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Principle of Cumulation and what does it suggest about racial/ethnic inequality?

The Principle of Cumulation suggests that discrimination keeps minorities in an inferior status, which is used as proof for differential treatment. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Race

Race is defined as a group sharing physical characteristics passed through reproduction.
It is a social construct, not a biological reality, and its meaning is created by societal perceptions.

Definition of Ethnicity

Ethnicity refers to a group that shares fundamental cultural features.
It is based on common social, cultural, and national experiences that foster identification among group members.

Ethnic Group

An ethnic group consists of individuals sharing basic cultural features, fostering a sense of connection.

Definition of Minority

A minority is a group with limited power, resources, and opportunities, subject to different treatment compared to dominant groups.

Racial or Ethnic Minority Groups

These groups are viewed as inferior based on distinct physical and cultural traits that lead to differential treatment.

Prejudice

Prejudice involves forming opinions before understanding the relevant facts, typically resulting in unfavorable judgments based on characteristics such as gender or social class.
It is attitude-based, representing beliefs rather than actions.

Discrimination

Discrimination entails treating individuals prejudicially based on their actual or perceived group membership, often in a manner worse than typical treatment.
It is action-based, reflecting how people treat others, in contrast to the feelings of prejudice.

Institutional Discrimination

Institutional discrimination refers to systemic inequalities that deprive certain groups of equal access to resources and opportunities, such as voting rights or social services.

Color-Blind Racism

Also known as race blindness, this concept describes ignoring racial characteristics in decision-making processes, which can perpetuate inequality despite an appearance of neutrality.
An example includes college admissions that do not consider the racial backgrounds of applicants.

Patterns of Racial/Ethnic Inter-Group Contact

Various patterns exist in how racial and ethnic groups interact, impacting societal dynamics and relations.

De Jure vs. De Facto Segregation

De Jure segregation refers to legal segregation enforced by laws.
De Facto segregation occurs in practice and in reality, regardless of legal statutes.

Functionalist Approach

The functionalist perspective posits that prejudice and discrimination can disrupt societal harmony but may provide benefits for dominant groups, contributing to stability within these groups.

Conflict Approach

The conflict perspective emphasizes ongoing tensions between dominant and minority groups, leading to racial hierarchies, economic inequality, and social stratification.

Exploitation Approach

This view suggests that prejudice and discrimination are integral to capitalism, with minorities serving as a cheap labor source that keeps wages low for all workers, benefiting consumers.

Principle of Cumulation

Discrimination perpetuates an inferior status for minorities, which is then cited as justification for continued differential treatment.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts from Sociology Exam 2, focusing on the definitions of race and ethnicity. Explore how sociologists view these constructs and understand their societal implications. Perfect for test preparation or reinforcing your understanding of social identity.