The Sociology of Race and Ethnicity

CheckPoint: The Sociology of Race and Ethnicity

• Resources: Ch. 1 in Racial and Ethnic Groups and Appendix B

• Due Date: Day 4 [post to the Individual forum]

• Use Appendix B to match key terms with their correct descriptions.

• Post the completed Appendix B as an attachment.

Axia College Material

Appendix B

The Sociology of Race and Ethnicity

Match race and ethnicity key terms with their correct descriptions:

1. Copy each key term from the Key Terms list below.
2. Paste each key term into the cell to the right of its matching description.

Key Terms: Stereotype, Gender group, Pluralism, Sociology, Minority group, Assimilation, Conflict perspective, Segregation, Ethnic group, Racism, Class, Subordinate group, Social construction of race, Racial group, Religious minority group.

Note: Some descriptions were adapted from Richard Schaefer’s Racial and Ethnic Groups, 10th ed., 2006.

Description	Key Term
This group is the same as a subordinate group. A defining feature of this group is that its members have less control or power over their lives than do members of dominant groups.	Minority group
This describes the social structure between competing groups as defined by conflict or tension. An example would be the conflict that occurs between Haitians and United States citizens when Haitian refugees seek a new home in the United States.	Conflict perspective
This is a group with distinct national origins or cultural patterns. For example, Norwegian Americans belong to this type of group.	Ethnic group
Women are considered the social minority in the United States because they belong to this group, and are sometimes subject to prejudice and discrimination.	Gender group
This is the study of social behavior. A professional in this field may study intergroup relations between African Americans and Asian Americans, for example.	Sociology
This occurs when a person both believes and feels that his or her own racial group is superior to another racial group.	Racism
The most common definition of this term is a social ranking by social wealth. An example would be a family whose income level categorizes them below the poverty line, versus a family whose income level categorizes them far above the poverty line.	Class
This is when an oppressor uses race to determine who is and is not privileged. These determinations are made by assigning characteristics to races and dividing them into groups. At minimum, characteristics include physical or cultural traits.	Social construction of race
This is a broad generalization about groups which does not account for individual differences. An example would be if a person were to generalize that all people from New York City are pushy.	Stereotype
Among many others, Chinese Americans, African American, Native Americans and Caucasians are examples of this group. Members of such a group can be identified by obvious physical differences.	Racial group
This occurs when a dominant group forces a minority group to live, work, or socialize separately. The high index of Blacks and Whites living separately in Detroit, Michigan is an example.	Segregation
Another way of describing a minority group, this type of group comprises people of certain race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability. Members of such a group exhibit five distinct characteristics.	Subordinate group
This occurs when a person, or the group to which that person belongs, assumes the characteristics of a dominant group. An example would be a Native American choosing to abandon his or her cultural norms in favor of United States norms.	Assimilation
This group is associated with a faith other than that of the dominant group. For example, individuals who practice Buddhism in the United States belong to this type of group.	Religious minority group
This perspective maintains that groups in society may express their cultures without facing prejudice or hostility. In part, it can be seen in some of the larger United States cities.	Pluralism

Defining Race and Ethnicity

CheckPoint: Defining Race and Ethnicity

• Due Date: Day 2 [post to the Individual forum]

• Post a 200- to 300-word summary that answers both of the following questions:

o What do the terms race and ethnicity mean to you?

o Why are these concepts important to United States society?

            To me, race is defined by your physical characteristics such as hair color, skin color or other physical features that may be different from other races.  Ethnicity is defined as your background, or culture.  This is most definable by the country your ancestors came from.  The United States society has put great importance on race and ethnicity.  The United States society has tried to make race and ethnicity both important and not important at the same time.  It is said that everyone is equal and it should not matter where you were from or what you look like when things like jobs or homes or loans.  But you still have those little boxes asking on any formal paperwork you fill out.  Also, there are so many benefits such as scholarships available for specific racial or ethnic groups.  This says race and ethnicity is important, but we are all told that it isn’t.  For me, race and ethnicity is not important except the individual itself.  But pride in ourselves and our homeland should not be used against us when we celebrate our ethnicity or be used to help serve oppression.