Chapter 15: Race and Ethnicity

Race

a socially constructed category of people who share biologically transmitted traits that members of a society consider important

Distinctive Identity

minorities often have physical or cultural traits that set them apart from the dominant group

Subordination

minorities typically have less power, privilege, and social status, often facing discrimination or unequal treatment

Social Distance Scale

a measure of prejudice

Stereotype

a simplified description applied to every person in some category

Racism

the belief that one racial category is innately superior or inferior to another

Scapegoat Theory

claims that prejudice results from frustration among people who are disadvantaged because they have little power and thus are usually 'safe targets'

Scapegoat

a person or category of people, typically with little power, whom people unfairly blame for their troubles

Authoritarian Personality Theory

claims that prejudice is a personality trait of certain individuals, especially those with little education and those raised by cold demanding parents

Culture Theory

claims prejudice is rooted in culture, as we learn to feel greater social distance from some categories of people

Discrimination

unequal treatment of various categories of people and is a matter of action

Institutional Prejudice and Discrimination

bias built into the operation of social institutions, including schools, hospitals, the police, and the workplace

Pluralism

A system or belief where different people, ideas, cultures, or groups are accepted and can live or exist together peacefully.

Institutional Completeness

the complexity of community organizations that meet the needs of members

Assimilation

the process by which minorities gradually adopt patterns of the dominant culture, thereby becoming more similar to the dominant group

Segregation

the physical and social separation of categories of people

Genocide

the systemic killing of one category of people by another

Indigenous People

earliest human inhabitants of what is now Canada who have endured genocide, segregation, and forced assimilation

Ethnic and Racial Minorities

differ in social standing, measured in terms of education, employment, and income

Immigration

Canada relies heavily on this for its growth, contributing to the ethnic and racial composition we see today. past policies were racist.

Ethnicity

A shared cultural heritage; language, religion, etc.

Minority

Category of people distinguished by physical or cultural differences that society sets apart and subordinates.

Prejudice

An irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, or a race.

Ecological Fallacy

Applying group data to individuals.

Exception Fallacy

Applying one individual's actions to a whole group.

Discrimination Types

Individual: one-on-one bias; Institutional: built into social systems; Neutral Policy: appears fair but sustains inequality.

Functionalist Theory

Sees society as a stable system where different parts work together.

Conflict Theory

Focus on power and inequality between dominant and minority groups.

Multiracial Feminist Theory

Looks at how race, gender, class, and sexuality intersect.

Post-Colonial/Critical Race Theory

Examines how colonial histories and systemic racism still shape society.

Point system

Introduced to assess immigrants based on skill, education, and language.

Special Status Groups

Indigenous People have legal and historical rights as original inhabitants.

White privilege

Unearned advantages white people benefit from.

Mentocracy

Belief that success is based on ability and effort.

White Supremacy

A system that maintains white dominance socially, politically, and economically.