Chapter 8: Race and Ethnicity

Individual Discrimination

Discrimination carried out by one person against another

Racism

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

Ethnicity

a socially defined category based on common language, religion, nationality, history, or other cultural factor

Segregation

the physical and legal separation of groups by race or ethnicity

Discrimination

unequal treatment of individuals based on their membership in a social group, usually motivated by prejudice

Majority Minority

A region where the minority race is now becoming the majority, over the previously majority race Ex. California

Race/Ethnicity in Job Market

Derah Pager's 2003 experimental study found that black job applicants were less likely to be hired than compared with white job applicants White men with criminal records received more call backs than black men without a criminal record

US race/ethnic composition

Non-hispanic white population will decline from 85% in 1960 to 43% in 2060 Non-hispanic black population will remain stable Hispanic will increase from 4% to 31% from 1960 to 2060

Race as Social Construct

Process through which a group gets defined as a race based on historical and economic factors, not simple on physical features

Symbolic Interaction and Race

Race and ethnicity are part of our identity as displayed through our presentation of self. Some individuals (white ethnics and light skinned nonwhites in particular) have option to conceal their race or ethnicity in situations where i may be advantageous to do so. This may allow them as individuals to escape the effects of race inequality but does not erase it from society at large.

Structural Functionalism and Race

Racial and ethnic differences are a necessary part of society. Even racial inequality has functions that help maintain social order. Functions of racial inequality and conflict for society could include creation of social cohesion within both dominant and minority groups

Conflict Theory and Race

Racial and ethnic differences create intergroup conflict. Minor and majority groups have different interest and may find themselves at odds as they attempt to secure and protect their interests. Some members of majority groups (white and men in particular) object to affirmative action programs that assist underrepresented groups. This can create conflict between racial groups in society

Race

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

Situational Ethnicity

an ethnic identity that can either be displayed or concealed depending on its usefulness in a given situation

Symbolic Ethnicity

an ethnic identity that is only relevant on specific occasions and does not significantly impact everyday life

Prejudice

an idea about the characteristics of a group that is applied and is unlikely to change regardless of 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

Minority Group

social group that is systematically denied same access to power and resources available to society's dominant groups through they are not necessarily fewer in number than dominant groups