Sociology Exam 2 - Race & Ethnicity

How do sociologists define race?

race is a group of people who share *PHYSICAL characteristics* that are passed on through reproduction. *Race is NOT biological, but is a social invention dealing with labels*. We are the ones who make race meaningful.

How do sociologists define ethnicity?

Ethnicity is based on a group of people who share basic cultural features; people who identify with each other based on common social, cultural, and national experiences.

What is an ethnic group?

people who share basic cultural features.

How do sociologists define minority?

a group with less power, resources, and opportunity that is subject to different treatment.

What do sociologists mean by racial or ethnic minority groups?

Certain groups are considered inferior to others based on distinct physical and cultural characteristics.

What is prejudice? Why is it attitude based?

forming an opinion before becoming aware of the relevant facts of a case; is often used to refer to preconceived, usually unfavorable, judgments toward people or a person because of gender, social class, age, etc.

*It is based on attitude because it is a belief as opposed to an action.*

What is discrimination? Why is it action based?

Discrimination is the prejudicial treatment of an individual based on their actual or perceived membership in a certain group or category, "in a way that is worse than the way people are usually treated."

*Discrimination is action based because it is how people actually treat others, whereas prejudice is simply a feeling or belief.*

What do sociologists mean by institutional discrimination?

systemic deprivation of equal access (structural); *example is equal access to things like voting, social security, etc. in terms of gender*

What do sociologists mean by color-blind racism? (AKA race blindness)

also called race blindness; refers to disregard of racial characteristics when selecting which individuals will participate in some activity or receive some service. In practice, color-blind operations use no racial data or profiling and make no classifications, categorizations, or distinctions based upon race. *An example of this would be a college processing admissions without regard to or knowledge of the racial characteristics of applicants.*

*What are the different patterns of racial/ethnic inter-group contact?*

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What is De Jure segregation? De Facto segregation?

De Jure = in law (legal segregation)

De Facto = in fact

What is the functionalist approach to race/ethnicity and inequality?

prejudice and discrimination can be dysfunctional; they provide benefits for dominant groups; stability and cohesion.

What is the conflict approach to race/ethnicity and inequality?

There is* ongoing strife occurring between dominant and minority groups*. Racial hierarchies --> economic inequality --> social stratification. Economic inequality generates racial-ethnic inequality, even between minority groups.

What is the exploitation approach to race/ethnicity and inequality?

prejudice and discrimination are a basic part of the capitalist enterprise; minorities are a pool of cheap labor; wages are kept down for ALL workers; consumers are happy;

What is the Principle of Cumulation and what does it suggest about racial/ethnic inequality?

*discrimination keeps minorities in an inferior status*; inferior status is then cited as proof for differential treatment