Race and Ethnicity

These flashcards are designed to help students memorize key terms and definitions related to race and ethnicity for their sociology exam.

Race

A group set apart from others because of obvious physical differences, considered a socially constructed category.

Ethnic group

A group set apart from others based on national origin or distinctive cultural patterns.

Racial and ethnic composition

Statistical breakdown of various racial and ethnic groups in a population.

Institutional racism

Racism that occurs through established institutions of society rather than through individual actions.

Prejudice

The holding of preconceived ideas about an individual or group that are resistant to change.

Discrimination

Behavior that denies members of a particular group resources or rewards available to others.

Color-blind racism

A belief in race neutrality that perpetuates racial inequality by ignoring the existence of racial injustices.

Social Distance Scale

A measure of acceptance toward different racial or ethnic groups based on proximity of relationships.

Assimilation

The process through which a person forsakes their cultural tradition to adopt a different culture.

Amalgamation

The process of combining majority and minority groups to form a new group.

Pluralism

A societal framework based on mutual respect among various cultural groups.

Genocide

The deliberate and systematic killing of an entire people or nation.

Scapegoats

Individuals or groups blamed for wrongs that are not of their doing.

Affirmative action

Positive efforts to recruit minority members for jobs, promotions, and educational opportunities.

Minority group

A group that experiences a disadvantage due to unequal treatment compared to the dominant group.