Race, Family, Education, and Health in Society

Race

A socially constructed category based on physical characteristics.

Ethnicity

A shared cultural heritage, language, or ancestry.

Dominant group

A group with power, privileges, and social status.

Subordinate group

A group that is disadvantaged or discriminated against.

Prejudice

A negative attitude toward a group based on stereotypes.

Discrimination

Actions or practices that result in unequal treatment of a group.

Racism

The belief that one race is superior to others.

Stereotype

An overgeneralized belief about a particular group.

Functionalist Perspective

Race relations contribute to social stability or dysfunction.

Conflict Perspective

Race is a tool of power and inequality.

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

Daily interactions reinforce racial meanings.

Critical Race Theory

Racism is embedded in institutions and laws.

Native Americans/Alaska Natives

History of forced removal, poverty, and activism.

WASPs

Historically dominant, influential in U.S. culture.

Black Americans

History of slavery, civil rights, ongoing inequality.

White Ethnics

Irish, Italian, Eastern European immigrants faced early discrimination.

Asian Americans

Includes Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Indian Americans; often stereotyped as 'model minority.'

Latinx & Middle Eastern Americans

Diverse experiences, facing prejudice and policy challenges.

Family

A group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

Nuclear family

Parents and their children.

Extended family

Includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.

Marriage patterns

Monogamy, polygamy (polygyny/polyandry).

Descent

Patrilineal, matrilineal, or bilateral tracking of lineage.

Authority patterns

Patriarchy, matriarchy, egalitarianism.

Cohabitation

Living together without being married.

Domestic partnership

Legal recognition for cohabiting couples.

Same-sex marriage

Legally recognized union of same-gender partners.

Parenting & Child Issues

Discipline, adoption, fertility struggles.

Family Problems

Divorce, abuse, single parenthood.

Education

A formal process of learning in institutions.

Hidden curriculum

Unspoken values and expectations taught in school.

Tracking

Grouping students by perceived ability.

Credentialism

Emphasis on degrees or certificates for jobs.

Major Issues in Education

Unequal funding, dropout rates, alternatives, higher education challenges.

Health

A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.

Social epidemiology

Study of how health and disease are distributed in society.

Holistic medicine

Focuses on mind, body, and spirit in health care.

Alternative medicine

Practices outside mainstream (e.g., acupuncture, herbal).

Medical technology

Advances like MRI, gene therapy, telehealth.

Healthcare Systems

U.S.: Private and insurance-based, expensive; Canada: Public, single-payer; U.K.: National Health Service; China: Mix of public and private, rapid reform.

Mental disorders

Depression, anxiety, schizophrenia.

Disability

Physical/mental impairments affecting life activities.

Sociological perspectives on Health

Stigma, access, social construction of 'normal.'