Sociology: Minority Groups and Social Dynamics

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Questions and Answers

What is a minority group?

Pattern of advantage

Pattern of disadvantage or inequality (correct)

Majority group

Social elite

What are the visible traits/characteristics of a minority group?

Traits that set members of the group apart by attributing esteem to one group over another.

What is a self-conscious social unit in a minority group?

A shared social status with strong intragroup bonds.

Ascribed status in a minority group is usually determined at birth.

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In terms of intimate relationships, what characterizes a minority group?

They often choose each other as close friends, partners, and spouses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of race?

A group identified by society based on perceived biologically inherited physical characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What defines ethnic groups?

Membership based on shared cultural heritage and often connected with a national or geographic identity. Signup and view all the answers

What do Omi and Winant state about variations in human physiognomy?

Variations in human physiognomy are racially based and are a topic of intense debate. Signup and view all the answers

What is racial formation?

The sociohistorical process by which races and the concept of race are created, modified, or destroyed. Signup and view all the answers

What is prejudice?

A baseless and usually negative attitude toward members of a group. Signup and view all the answers

What are stereotyped beliefs?

Widely held but fixed and oversimplified ideas about a particular type of person or thing. Signup and view all the answers

What is discrimination?

An action that results in unfair treatment of a person or a group. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of racism?

A belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a folkway?

A violation of norm that would not result in major consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What is a more?

A violation of norm that might result in major consequences, possibly leading to separation from society. Signup and view all the answers

What is a taboo?

A violation of norm that is so serious that separation (and possibly death) can result. Signup and view all the answers

What is reverse racism?

A fallacy suggesting the existence of discrimination against a dominant group based solely on race. Signup and view all the answers

What is sexism?

Prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination typically against women based on sex. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Minority Groups

Defined by patterns of disadvantage or inequality in society.
Characteristics include lower access to valued resources, historical exploitation, slavery, and genocide.
Result of actions by dominant groups.

Visible Traits and Characteristics

Members are distinguished by features that are socially valued differently across groups.
Differences arise from race and ethnicity, shaped by historical and social processes.

Minority groups form self-conscious social units.
Shared social statuses lead to strong intragroup bonds and unique worldviews.

Ascribed Status

Typically determined at birth and linked to visible traits.
Status is often involuntary and permanent, while ethnic characteristics can be more adaptable.

Intimate Relationships

Members of minority groups often develop close personal relationships within their group, choosing friends and partners based on shared experiences.

Race

Concept of race is socially constructed, associated with perceived biologically inherited physical traits.
Racial classifications vary based on diverse physical characteristics.

Ethnic Groups

Membership based on shared cultural heritage, often tied to national or geographical identity.
Intersection of racial and ethnic classifications, with federal government involvement in defining ethnic groups.

Racial Formation (Omi and Winant)

Races and concepts of race evolve through sociohistorical processes, shaped by societal perceptions and debates.

Prejudice

Defined as a baseless negative attitude towards a group, encompassing negative feelings and stereotypes.
Can manifest across various societal contexts and issues.

Negative Feelings

Typically evoke discomfort or disdain, influenced by personal and collective experiences.

Stereotyped Beliefs

Represent simplified and fixed ideas about people, perpetuated through socialization.
Often embraced by the targeted groups, leading to internalized stereotypes.

Discrimination

Refers to unfair treatment based on group membership, occurring at both individual and institutional levels.
Various forms include individual, institutional, past-present, side-effect, de jure, and de facto discrimination.

Racism

Concept that race primarily determines human traits and qualities, leading to claims of superiority.
Has roots in pseudo-scientific beliefs, such as phrenology and skeletal studies.

Folkway: Minor breaches of social norms; generally do not result in severe consequences.
More: Serious breaches potentially leading to significant social sanctions; usually codified into laws.
Taboo: Severe breaches with serious consequences, including social exclusion or death.

Reverse Racism

Concept regarded as fallacious; discussions of differing theories on racism numerous and complex.

Sexism

Defined as prejudice and discrimination, particularly against women, based on sex.
Analyzed in the context of gender differences and historical roots in societal structures.

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Description

Explore the definition, characteristics, and dynamics of minority groups within society. This quiz covers aspects such as social cohesion, ascribed status, and intimate relationships among these groups. Test your understanding of how race and ethnicity shape social interactions and worldviews.