Race and Ethnicity Exam 1

What is the definition of race?

Race is a social category created by people based on selected physical traits, not a fixed biological truth.

How is ethnicity defined?

Ethnicity refers to shared cultural traits, traditions, language, and heritage that give people a sense of group identity.

What does it mean for race to be socially constructed?

It means that society, rather than biology, determines what race is and which traits are significant.

Give an example of when race was socially constructed in the U.S.

In the early 1900s, Irish, Italian, Jewish, and Eastern European immigrants were often not considered 'White' despite being seen as such today.

What is the one-drop rule?

The one-drop rule was a belief that anyone with even one ancestor of African descent was considered Black, regardless of appearance.

What was the significance of Plessy v. Ferguson?

The 1896 Supreme Court case upheld segregation under 'separate but equal,' legalizing segregation until it was overturned by Brown v. Board of Education in 1954.

Define symbolic ethnicity.

Symbolic ethnicity is the expression of ethnic background in optional and low-cost ways, rather than through daily cultural practices.

What is the classic assimilation model?

This theory posits that immigrants gradually adopt the dominant culture's practices and values, losing distinct cultural traits over generations.

How does symbolic ethnicity relate to the classic assimilation model?

Symbolic ethnicity often results from assimilation, showing that later generations express their heritage in light, optional ways rather than through everyday practices.

What role does multi-cultural suburbia play in identity formation?

Multi-cultural suburbia can create homogeneity, where social interaction is planned, and conflict is managed by third parties, affecting identity formation.

What factors influence identity options for people of color (POC)?

Factors include social class, family of origin, and the context of their environment, such as suburban communities.

What is the conclusion drawn about race in the context of brown-skinned white girls (BSWGs)?

Race is a cultural definition, not biological, and being culturally white means not experiencing material deprivation or racial discrimination.

What is implicit racism?

Implicit racism refers to the unconscious biases and stereotypes that affect perceptions and actions towards different racial groups.

How does racial identity vary according to Twine and Lacy?

Racial identity is not fixed; it is shaped by specific contexts and requires interaction with others of the same race to develop.

What is the significance of the context in shaping racial identity according to Lacy?

Racial identity processes vary across contexts, such as suburban communities versus university settings.

What does the classic assimilation model suggest about the future of immigrant cultures?

It suggests that immigrants will abandon their ethnic traits to assimilate into mainstream culture over generations.

How does symbolic ethnicity challenge the classic assimilation model?

It shows that many white immigrants maintain a nostalgic connection to their ethnicity even while assimilating.

What is the role of social class in identity formation for POC?

Social class influences how race is perceived and experienced, affecting identity options and cultural expression.

What is the impact of homeowners associations in multi-cultural suburbs?

Homeowners associations manage conflicts and maintain the status of residents, contributing to the homogeneity of the community.

What does the term 'culturally white identity' refer to?

It refers to an identity rooted in material advantages and often associated with a color-blind perspective on race.

Symbolic Ethnicity

A form of ethnic identity that is expressed only on special occasions (e.g., celebrating St. Patrick's Day, eating ethnic foods, claiming "Irish" or "Italian" heritage). It does not affect daily life or impose costs, unlike racial identity for racial minorities. Made possible by social privilege — particularly for white ethnic groups who can "choose" ethnicity without stigma.

Implicit Racism

Unconscious bias or prejudice that affects attitudes and actions without deliberate intent. Often measured with tools like the Implicit Association Test (IAT). Example: assuming Black men are more dangerous than white men without realizing it.

Sense of Group Position (Blumer's Theory)

Racism stems not just from individual prejudice but from a collective sense of group position. Dominant groups define and defend their superiority over subordinate groups. Racism = defending perceived group interests, status, and privilege.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Supreme Court case that legalized racial segregation under the doctrine of "separate but equal." Reinforced racial hierarchy and institutionalized systemic racism until overturned by Brown v. Board of Education (1954).

Sociological Perspective

Focuses on how society and social structures shape individual behavior and group relations. In race/ethnicity: emphasizes that race is socially constructed, not biologically fixed. Distinguishes sociology from psychology (focus on individuals) and biology (focus on genetics).

Social Identity

A person's sense of self based on group memberships (race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion, etc.). Can be shaped by internal constructions (how one identifies) and external constructions (how others categorize them).

Explicit Racism

Overt, conscious, intentional actions or attitudes (e.g., racial slurs, discriminatory laws).

Race as Socially Constructed

Race has no biological basis; it is created through social, political, and historical processes. Examples: The one-drop rule in the U.S. (any Black ancestry = "Black"). Shifting definitions of "white" (Irish, Italians, and Jews were not always considered white).

Segmented Assimilation

Different groups assimilate into different segments of society.

Strategic Assimilation

Minorities choose when to assimilate and when to maintain ethnic ties (e.g., Black middle class families living in white suburbs but attending Black churches).

Pluralism/Multiculturalism

Maintaining distinct cultural identities.

Classic Assimilation Model

Minorities assimilate fully into the dominant white culture.

McDermott & Samson - Studying White Racial Identity

Challenges assumption that whiteness is the "neutral" or invisible racial category. Shows whiteness is socially constructed and comes with unearned privileges.

What Makes Symbolic Ethnicity Possible?

The ability to choose ethnicity without consequences. Assumes racial privilege: white ethnics can claim or ignore their heritage, while racial minorities cannot "opt out" of their racial identity.

Hansen's Third Generation Return

Shapes symbolic ethnicity by allowing descendants of immigrants to reconnect with their ethnic heritage.

Race vs. Ethnicity

Race = socially constructed categories based on perceived physical traits. Ethnicity = shared culture, language, ancestry, or traditions.

Laissez-Faire Racism vs. Implicit Racism

Laissez-faire racism: blaming minorities for their socioeconomic position while opposing policies to address inequality. Implicit racism: unconscious prejudices that perpetuate inequality.

Role of Social Class & Suburbs

Class influences racial identity (wealth and status can shape how race is perceived). Suburbs often symbolize "white space," where minorities may feel excluded or pressured to assimilate.

Sociological Perspective vs. Other Disciplines

Sociology = focuses on structures, power, and inequality. Psychology = individuals' attitudes/behavior. Biology = genetics/natural differences (debunked in race studies).

One-Drop Rule

Originated in slavery era to maintain white purity and expand enslaved populations. Today: persists culturally (e.g., mixed-race people often categorized as Black).

Internal vs. External Constructions of Racial Identity

Internal = self-identification. External = how society labels someone (can differ, e.g., biracial people).

White Ethnic Immigrants Not Considered White

Groups like Irish, Italians, Jews seen as "other" on arrival. Factors easing whiteness: intermarriage, upward mobility, distancing from Blackness, military service, suburbanization.

Waters - Assimilation & Symbolic Ethnicity

Waters argues symbolic ethnicity is a byproduct of assimilation; once full assimilation occurs, ethnicity becomes optional and symbolic.

Blumer's Theory (Sense of Group Position)

Racism = dominant groups defending power and privilege by positioning others as inferior. Not just individual prejudice — a collective, structural process.

Black No More

Fictional procedure to turn Black people into white. Satirizes racial hierarchy by showing how whiteness is valued and how fragile racial categories are.

Social Construction of Race & Social Mobility

Race limits or expands access to mobility. Social construction determines who is excluded from resources, opportunities, and recognition.

Tomaskovic-Devey & Warren - Racial Profiling

Persists because of stereotypes, institutional practices, and lack of accountability. Solutions: structural reforms, oversight, shifting incentive structures in policing.

Prejudice vs. Discrimination

Prejudice = attitude or belief (e.g., "I don't like X group"). Discrimination = behavior or action (e.g., denying someone a job).

Why Park Was Mistaken

He believed racial categories would disappear with assimilation. He ignored structural racism, white privilege, and systemic barriers that preserve racial categories.

Winddance Twine - Biracial Girls Changing Identity

Found that biracial girls shift racial identity based on context, peer networks, and social interactions. Identity is fluid, relational, and negotiated.

Homogeneity in race and ethnicity

means that a population or community is largely uniform, with most people belonging to the same racial or ethnic group.