Sociology Chapter 8

Assimilation

A pattern of relations between ethnic or racial groups in which the minority group is absorbed into the mainstream or dominant group, making society more homogenous. Though there is something to gain from assimilating, but it also is a sacrifice of identity. Assimilation is not always voluntary, sometimes minority practices are outlawed.

Individual Discrimination

Discrimination carried out by one person against another

Functionalism and racism

Functionalism helps analyze certain groups but cannot fully explain the persistence of racism. It can explain that groups tend to feel ethnocentric. They believe they are the best group. Cultural differences and a lack of integration into the larger society on the part of minorities tend to feed fear and hostility, which causes racism

Passing

Presenting yourself as a member of a different racial or ethnic group than the one you were born into

Symbolic interaction and racism

Race is a social construct and racism is developed through interactions. Race and ethnicity are part of our identity as displayed through our presentation of self.

Conflict Theory and racism

Racism is partly driven by economic competition and the struggle for scarce resources. A "split labor market" is when one group of workers (defined by race, gender, or ethnicity) are routinely paid less than other groups, which compounds the effect of racism with those of poverty. Racial and ethnic differences create intergroup conflict. Minority and Majority groups have different interests and may find themselves at odds as they attempt to secure and protect their interests.

Race and Ethnicity

There is a huge difference between the words race and ethnicity. These words cannot be used interchangeably

Double-Consciousness

W.E.B. DuBois' term for the divided identity experienced by blacks in America. He wondered if you could be black and also claim one's right as an American.

Pluralism

a cultural pattern of intergroup relations that encourages racial and ethnic variation and acceptance within a society. Its more of a "salad bowl" than a "melting pot"

Racism

a set of beliefs about the superiority of one racial or ethnic group; used to justify inequality and often rooted in the assumption that differences between groups are genetic.

Prejucide

an idea about the characteristics of a group that is applied to all members of that group and is unlikely to change regardless of the evidence against it.

Institutional Discrimination

discrimination carried out systematically by institutions (Political, economic, educational, and others) that affect all members of a group who come into contact with it (Ex. the cops treatment of anyone who is not white)

Conflict Theory (on Race and Ethnicity)

major groups use racism and ethnocentrism to protect their interests

Minority Group

social group that is systematically declined the same access to power and resources available to society's dominant groups though they are not necessarily fewer in number than the dominant group. Minority group members perceive themselves as targets of collective discrimination. Being in a minority group can also count as a "master status" overriding all other statuses.

Ethnicity

a socially defined category based on common language, religion, nationality, history, or another cultural factor (Ex being Jewish)

Race

a socially defined category based on real or perceived biological differences between groups of people

Situational Ethnicity

an ethnic identity that can be either displayed or concealed depending on its usefulness in a given situation. It involves cost benefit analysis. We need to appraise each situation to determine whether or not it favors our ethnicity. Not available to people who are visibly not mainstream. Ex you choose when you sat if you are jewish or not. In temple you embrace it but in front of anti-semetic people you hide it

Symbolic Ethnicity

an ethnic identity that is only relevant of specific occasions and does not significantly impact everyday life. for example Irish or Italian Americans who can choose when and how they display their ethnic group membership.Not available to people who are visibly not mainstream (ex someone who is of color cannot have symbolic ethnicity)

Structural Functionalism (on Race and Ethnicity)

groups have a tendency toward ethnocentrism, which binds people together but also makes them act unfavorably towards those outside the group

Symbolic Interactionism (on Race and Ethnicity)

race and ethnicity are created symbolically in everyday interactions

Miscegenation

romantic, sexual, or marital relationships between people of different races

Genocide

the deliberate and systematic extermination of a racial, ethnic, national, or cultural group

Internal Colonialism

the economic and political subjugation of the minority group by the dominant group within a nation. This is the exploitation of a minority group within the dominant group's own borders

Population Transfer

the forcible removal of a group from the territory they have occupied. (Think of the trail of tears)

Segregation

the physical and legal separation of groups by race or ethnicity. In the example of segregation against blacks, it was not just in the south it was on a national level which is clear in terms of the segregation in sports teams, the US military, and etc.

Racial Assimilation

the process by which racial minority groups are absorbed into the dominant group through intermarriage

Cultural Assimilation

the process by which racial or ethnic groups are absorbed into the dominant group by adopting the dominant group's culture. However, a lot of culture gets lost in this. Languages and traditions are forgotten

Embodied Identity

those elements of identity that are generated through others' perceptions of our physical traits

Discrimination

unequal treatment of individuals based on their membership in a social group; usually motivated by prejudice. Prejudice leads to discrimination.