Sociology of Race and Ethnicity

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary basis for grouping people into races in the biological construct?

Sociocultural heritage and religion

Skin pigmentation and morphology (correct)

Collective history and nationality

Language and regional origin

What is the term that refers to one's sociocultural heritage based on collective history, religion, and other factors?

Nationality

Ethnicity (correct)

Race

Identity

What does the concept of identity refer to in the context of social constructs?

The biological characteristics of an individual

The cultural heritage of an individual's ancestors

The extent to which an individual identifies with a particular group (correct)

The nationality of an individual's parents

What is the primary distinction between race and ethnicity?

Race is based on biology, while ethnicity is based on culture Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of categorizing people into races in the biological construct?

To group populations based on their biological differences Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of ethnicity as a social construct?

It is based on sociocultural heritage and commonalities Signup and view all the answers

What is a stereotype?

A broad, often oversimplified assumption made about all members of a particular group Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of combining stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination?

Oppression Signup and view all the answers

What is a component of ethnic identity?

Ethnic awareness Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the belief that one ethnic group is superior to others?

Ethnocentrism Signup and view all the answers

Who is often the target of sexism?

Women Signup and view all the answers

According to Phinney's Ethnic Identity Development Model, what is the stage where individuals search for their ethnic identity?

Search Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the belief that white skin is normative and better?

Racism Signup and view all the answers

What is involved in the process of ethnic identity development?

Reflection on one's life journey Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of prejudice and discrimination based on socioeconomic levels?

Classism Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of oppression?

Unjust exercise of authority Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a negative judgment about the characteristics and capabilities of an individual with a disability?

Ableism Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of being oppressed?

Denied opportunity of resilient autonomy Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between stereotyping and harm?

Even seemingly positive stereotypes can be harmful Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of asymmetric power relationships?

Unjust exercise of authority Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of ethnic identity development?

Achievement of ethnic identity Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of recognizing and addressing privilege?

To work towards a more just and inclusive world Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying belief that contributes to the subordination of women?

Male dominance and control Signup and view all the answers

What is privilege, according to the definition?

A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people Signup and view all the answers

How should privilege be viewed, according to the text?

As an opportunity to learn and be responsible Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of some groups being systematically advantaged and others being disadvantaged?

Social and economic inequality Signup and view all the answers

What is involved in ethnic behaviors?

Behavior patterns specific to an ethnic group Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between privilege and certain social groups?

Some social groups are systematically advantaged and others are disadvantaged Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis of privilege in the context of social constructs?

Membership in a dominant social group Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for unearned access to power and resources based on membership in a dominant social group?

Privilege Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of acknowledging and addressing privilege?

To promote social change and equality Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between privilege and power?

Privilege is the source of personal power Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of privilege often used to highlight?

The existence of systemic inequalities Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a social construct that can influence privilege?

Gender Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a dominant social group?

Cisgender males Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of unchecked privilege?

The perpetuation of systemic inequalities Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Race as a Biological Construct

The term "race" originated from grouping populations by their differences in biological measures, such as skin pigmentation and morphology.
Diverse categories of people were classified into races based on these physical characteristics.

Ethnicity refers to one's sociocultural heritage, based on commonalities such as collective history, religion, nationality, regional origin, language, and others.

Ethnic Identity

Ethnic identity is the extent to which one identifies with a particular ethnic group.
Components of ethnic identity include:
- Ethnic awareness: understanding of one's own and other groups.
- Ethnic self-identification: label used for one's own group.
- Ethnic attitudes: feelings about one's own and other groups.
- Ethnic behaviors: patterns specific to an ethnic group.

Phinney's Ethnic Identity Development Model

The model consists of five stages:
- Diffusion: lacking a clear sense of ethnic identity.
- Foreclosure: adopting a ready-made identity without exploration.
- Moratorium: actively searching for an identity.
- Achievement: achieving a clear sense of ethnic identity.
- Search: questioning and exploring one's identity.

Oppression

Oppression is the unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power, involving asymmetric power relationships between individuals, groups, communities, and societies.
To be oppressed is to be unjustly denied the opportunity of resilient autonomy or self-determination.

Stereotypes

A stereotype is a broad, often oversimplified assumption made about all members of a particular group.
Even seemingly positive stereotypes can be harmful.

Prejudice and Discrimination

Prejudice: an unjustified attitude towards a group or individual.
Discrimination: behavior that treats individuals unfairly based on their group membership.
Oppression = Stereotyping + Prejudice + Discrimination.

Types of Oppression

Racism: the belief that one race is superior to others.
Ethnocentrism: the belief that one ethnic group is superior to others.
Classism: prejudice and discrimination based on socioeconomic levels or social class.
Sexism: prejudice and discrimination based on gender.
Ableism: negative judgment about the characteristics and capabilities of an individual with a disability.

Privilege

Privilege: a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people.
Privilege is an unearned access to power and resources based on membership in a dominant social group.

Check Your Privilege

Privilege is not a burden, but an opportunity to learn and be responsible for working towards a more just and inclusive world.
Groups that are systematically advantaged and others that are disadvantaged because of their memberships in certain groups.

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Description

Explore how race and ethnicity are perceived and classified, from biological to social constructs.