Race and Ethnicity

Race People who share inherited physical characteristics / differences and whom others see as a distinct group

Ethnicity Set of cultural characteristics that distinguish one group from another National origin, religion, language, customs and values

Minority Group Group of people who because of their physical characteristics or cultural practices are singled out and can be unequally treated View themselves as objects of discrimination

Qualifications of a Minority Group Possesses identifiable physical or cultural characteristics that differ from the dominant group Victims of unequal treatment by dominant group Ascribed Status Share a strong bond and loyalty to other members Practice endogamy—marriage within the group

Discrimination and Prejudice

Prejudice Stereotype-oversimplified, exaggerated generalization about a group Can lead to Racism Belief that one’s own race or ethnic group is superior to others

Discrimination Individual level or societal level Name calling to violent attacks Two forms: Legal discrimination Institutionalized discrimination

Legal Discrimination Upheld by the law Apartheid Jim Crow laws Women not being able to vote

Institutionalized Discrimination Becomes a part of social structure Denied access to housing, jobs because of prejudice Poorly funded areas= lack of skills Fewer opportunities Cycle of Inequality

Sources of Discrimination and Prejudice Learned from social norms Scapegoating Economic factors Competition for scarce resources

Patterns of Minority Group Treatment

Population Transfer Life has been made so difficult by the majority group that the minority group leaves Voluntary or forced by law (forced removal) Internment Camps Native Americans to reservations

Segregation Policy that physically separates a minority group from the dominant group De jure segregation—based on laws De facto segregation --- based on informal societal norms

Subjugation The maintaining of control over a group through force Example--Slavery

Extermination Intentional destruction of the entire targeted population Genocide Pogrom Ethnic Cleansing

Cultural Pluralism Allows each group to keep its unique cultural identity Example-Switzerland Three official languages German, French and Italian

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