Ethnicity and Race

Race: A socially constructed category used for social stratification based on physical characteristics.
- Concept described as **"an externally imposed system of social categorization and stratification."
- Used as a tool for subjugating peoples.
- Scientific Argument: "Race Is a Social Construct," refutes biological definitions of race (Scientists argue).
Theory of Racial Formation: A process where social, economic, and political forces determine the significance of racial categories.
Physical Differences arise from:
- Living in different geographical regions.
- Migration patterns.
Associated Resource: The Genographic Project (National Geographic & IBM), available on YouTube.

Definition: A category of people identified by themselves and others as sharing a unique subculture with a shared cultural heritage.
Racial identity often overshadows ethnic identity due to visibility (quote provided).
Symbolic Ethnicity: The idea where individuals celebrate their ethnicity in symbolic ways.
Increasing awareness of multiracial/multiethnic identities.
Census Changes (2000): For the first time, allowed individuals to select multiple responses for racial identity.
- Newly created Middle Eastern category by U.S. Census is indicative of evolving racial classification.
- NPR discussion highlights the fluid and subjective nature of racial categorizations.

Census Questions for Racial and Ethnic Identity include:
- Hispanic Origin Questions: Asking if Person 1 is of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin, with detailed options.
- Race Identification: Options include White, Black, American Indian, Asian, Pacific Islanders, and more with space for entry of other races.

Two prevalent myths:
- The notion that some races are superior to others.
- The existence of a 'pure' race.
Racial characteristics demonstrate significant variety as a result of migration.
The biological definition of race is problematic due to:
- Lack of consensus on the number of races.
- Physical variations within defined races often exceed those between races.

While the biological concept of race is contested, racialization has significant sociological consequences.
Accompanying theories on racial formation discussed, including resources like a video on U.S. racial history.

Definition: Both minority and dominant groups identified based on power disparity.
Associated concepts:
- Ascribed Status: The fixed identity assigned at birth (racial visibility often impacts perception).

Graphical representation of racial and ethnic composition from 1900 to projected 2050.
Exponential growth of minority populations; by 2045, White populations to fall below 50%.
Observations note the increasing multi-racial identification among respondents.

2019 Demographic Overview: Influencing factors include educational attainment, employment rates, and political representation trends with projections to 2060.

Increase in African American high school graduation rates from 20% (1960) to 91% (2021) yet disparities persist in college graduation.

Unemployment rates highlighted by racial demographics:
- White: 3.2%, Black: 5.5%, Latino: 3.9%, Asian: 2.5%.
Historical trends also display income and wealth disparities.

Health outcomes linked to wealth indicate consequences of residential segregation (both de jure and de facto).
Ongoing social implications of past segregation laws.

The rising number of Black public officials from 40 in 1960 to 10,500 in 2010, reflecting changes in political dynamics of race and gender.
Discussion of intersectionality and its importance in political representation.

Resource on understanding implicit bias and promoting diversity.
- Link to Dr. Michael Baran's interactive diversity solutions focusing on structural bias and inclusiveness.