Sociology chapter 9

Discrimination

denial of equal treatment to individuals based on their group membership

arbitrary

determined by personal preference, notion, or whim

Anti-semitism

discrimination and prejudice that targets Jews

Institutionalized discrimination

discrimination that is an outgrowth of the structure of society

Legal discrimination

discrimination that is upheld by law

Genocide

extermination aimed at intentionally destroying an entire targeted population

Minority group

group of people who are singled out and unequally treated because of their physical characteristics or cultural practices

Dominant group

group that possesses the ability to discriminate by virtue of their greater power, privilege, and social status in a society

Ethnic group

individuals who share a common cultural background and a common sense of identity

Race

the category of people who share inherited physical characteristics and who are perceived by others as being a distinct group

White ethnics

collective reference to immigrants from the predominantly Catholic countries of Ireland, Italy, France, Poland, and Greece

Difference between race and ethnicity

Ethnicity is based on cultural traits. On the other hand, race is associated with physical traits

What is the American dilemma

In 1944 Swedish sociologist Gunnar Myrdal examined the issue of race relations in the United States. He came to the conclusion that the American people faced a great psychological and cultural conflict. He called this conflict "an American dilemma." A gap existed, he said, between what Americans claim to believe and how they actually behave. Although they express support for equality, freedom, dignity of the individual, and inalienable rights, Americans have not always lived up to these ideals.

cultural pluralism

a policy that allows each group within society to keep its unique cultural identity

Ethnicity

a set of cultural characteristics that distinguishes one group from another group

Racism

belief that one's own race or ethnic group is naturally superior to other races or ethnic groups

Assimilation

blending of culturally distinct groups into a single group with a common culture and identity

Subjugation

maintaining of control over a group through force

Stereotype

oversimplified, exaggerated, or unfavorable generalization about a category of people

Segregation

physical separation of a minority group from the dominant group

Scape-goating

practice of placing blame for one's troubles on an innocent individual or group

Self fulfilling prophecy

prediction that results in behavior that makes the prediction come true

Ethnic cleansing

process of removing a group from a particular area through terror, expulsion, and mass murder

Environmental racism

racial bias in environmental policies and practices

ghettos

sections of a city where minority groups live, often because of economic or social pressure

Pan-Indiansm

social and political movement that unites culturally distinct tribes to work together on issues that affect all Native Americans

Prejudice

unsupported generalization about a category of people