Chapter 9: Race and Ethnicity Study Guide

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and theories related to race and ethnicity.

What are the definitions of racial, ethnic, dominant, and subordinate groups?

Racial groups are based on physical characteristics, ethnic groups are based on cultural factors, dominant groups hold power and privilege, while subordinate groups are marginalized.

What does the term 'social construction of race' refer to?

It refers to the idea that race is not a biological reality but a social construct created through historical and cultural context.

What is prejudice and how is it correlated with racism?

Prejudice is an unjustified or incorrect attitude towards an individual based solely on their membership in a social group, often leading to racism.

Differentiate between individual and institutional discrimination.

Individual discrimination refers to personal actions that result in unequal treatment of others, while institutional discrimination involves systemic policies that produce unequal outcomes.

What are the views of functionalism regarding racial and ethnic inequality?

Functionalism views racial and ethnic inequalities as part of society's larger structure that can contribute to social stability, but may also need adjustments.

Describe the conflict theory perspective on racial and ethnic inequality.

Conflict theory focuses on the struggle for power and resources, suggesting that racial and ethnic inequality arises from competition and social conflict.

What is symbolic interactionism's view on racial and ethnic interactions?

Symbolic interactionism examines daily interactions and the meanings individuals give to race and ethnicity, shaping perceptions and behaviors.

What is ethnic pluralism?

Ethnic pluralism is a pattern of intergroup relations where various racial and ethnic groups coexist while maintaining their distinct cultural identities.

What is assimilation?

Assimilation is the process through which a minority group adopts the culture of the dominant group, often losing their original cultural identity.

What does blocked assimilation mean?

Blocked assimilation refers to situations where certain groups are prevented from integrating into the dominant culture due to systemic barriers.

Define forced assimilation.

Forced assimilation occurs when a group is compelled to abandon their culture and adopt that of the dominant group, often through coercive means.

What is internal colonization?

Internal colonization refers to the domination of a minority group by a dominant group within the same nation, leading to exploitation and unequal treatment.

What is genocide?

Genocide is the deliberate and systematic extermination of a particular racial or ethnic group.

Describe immigration patterns to the United States.

Immigration patterns to the U.S. have included waves of different ethnic groups, often influenced by economic opportunities, conflicts, and policies.

How have racial and ethnic classifications changed in the United States?

Racial and ethnic classifications continue to evolve due to demographic shifts, sociopolitical changes, and increasing recognition of multiracial identities.

Define stereotypes in the context of race and ethnicity.

Stereotypes are oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a group that can lead to misperceptions and prejudice.

What is racism?

Racism is the belief that one race is superior to another, leading to discrimination and prejudice based on racial differences.

What is a scapegoat in terms of race and ethnicity?

A scapegoat is a group or individual blamed for problems or negative outcomes, often targeting marginalized groups.

What are the unique historical experiences of Native Americans in the U.S.?

Native Americans faced colonization, forced relocation, and cultural assimilation, leading to significant loss of land and cultural heritage.

How have slavery, segregation, and lynching uniquely affected the African American experience?

These practices caused deep social and economic disparities, trauma, and ongoing discrimination against African Americans.

What is the Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis?

The Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis suggests that frustration leads to aggression as individuals express their discontent through hostility.

Explain Adorno’s Authoritarian Personality theory.

Adorno's theory postulates that individuals with an authoritarian personality are more likely to hold prejudiced beliefs and seek conformity in others.