Chapter 9: Associations

African American societies

Associations formed by African Americans after the Civil War, particularly African American branches of existing fraternal organizations that did not allow Black people to join.

Civil society

society as a whole, linked by common interests and collective action, excluding governmental as well as economic organizations and institutions.

Digital divide

the split between those with and without twenty-four-hour computer acces to valuable information, educational software, social networking websites, local and national news, and medical advice.

Ethnic nationalism

an ideological movement that resists cultural and social assimilation, and holds that racial integraion leads not to liberation but only to more oppression.

hate groups

Social groups that advocate and practice hatred, hostility, or violence; such groups present a threat to a multiracial democratic society and are often closely tied with White nationalist organizations.

homophily

the practice of associating with people like oneself.

identity politics

political action intended to address the unique interests and hardships of minority groups that have historically faced oppression and that continue to be excluded from mainstream society.

political correctness

a characteristic of discourse that, while designed to minimize offense to marginalized groups, ends up censoring certain speech or attitudes deemed off-limits.

religious associations

associations formed for religious purposes; in the United States, religious associations generally are connected to, and used to promote and preserve, certain racial and ethnic identities.