Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. EXPLORING RACE AND ETHNICITY CHAPTER 1

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. SOCIOLOGY OF INTERGROUP RELATIONS THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES Functionalism Functionalism Conflict Theory Conflict Theory Labeling Theory Labeling Theory Subordinate groups created by processes of: Subordinate groups created by processes of: Immigration Immigration Annexation Annexation Colonialism Colonialism

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Process of expulsion may remove the presence of a subordinate group Process of expulsion may remove the presence of a subordinate group ASSIMILATION ASSIMILATION Demands subordinate-group conformity Demands subordinate-group conformity PLURALISM PLURALISM Implies mutual respect between diverse groups Implies mutual respect between diverse groups Assimilation and pluralism are significant for racial and ethnic oppression in the US today Assimilation and pluralism are significant for racial and ethnic oppression in the US today

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. What is a Subordinate group? What does and does not determine minority group status? What does and does not determine minority group status? Minority status is not based on the size of a group Minority status is not based on the size of a group Minority/Majority group membership is not necessarily mutually exclusive Minority/Majority group membership is not necessarily mutually exclusive Minority status may vary according to geopolitical boundaries Minority status may vary according to geopolitical boundaries Minority/Majority is related to the distribution of power Minority/Majority is related to the distribution of power

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. What are the five characteristics that defines a minority/subordinate group? What are the five characteristics that defines a minority/subordinate group? 1. Unequal treatment and less power over one’s life 1. Unequal treatment and less power over one’s life 2. Distinguishing physical or cultural traits that the dominant group holds in low regard 2. Distinguishing physical or cultural traits that the dominant group holds in low regard 3. Involuntary membership or ascribed status 3. Involuntary membership or ascribed status 4. Group solidarity awareness of subordinate status and oppression 4. Group solidarity awareness of subordinate status and oppression 5. Marital endogamy - patterns of in-group marriage 5. Marital endogamy - patterns of in-group marriage

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Types of Subordinate Groups Racial groups - are groups that are set apart on the basis of obvious physical differences within a society Racial groups - are groups that are set apart on the basis of obvious physical differences within a society What is obvious is relative to the group or society What is obvious is relative to the group or society Ethnic groups - are groups that are set apart on the basis of cultural traits and nationality Ethnic groups - are groups that are set apart on the basis of cultural traits and nationality Religious groups - consists of religious associations that are set apart from the dominant religion Religious groups - consists of religious associations that are set apart from the dominant religion Gender groups - such as women who are set apart on the basis of sex Gender groups - such as women who are set apart on the basis of sex Other subordinate groups - are those that are set apart on the basis of age, disability or sexual orientation Other subordinate groups - are those that are set apart on the basis of age, disability or sexual orientation

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Does Race Matter? Biological school of thought and meaning of race Biological school of thought and meaning of race Racial groups as genetically discrete population groups are based on the following: Racial groups as genetically discrete population groups are based on the following: There are subpopulations within the human race There are subpopulations within the human race That one sub-group may be distinguished biologically from another on the basis of genetic traits That one sub-group may be distinguished biologically from another on the basis of genetic traits

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Criticisms of the Biological View Idea of Biological Race is based on mistaken notion of a genetically isolated human group Idea of Biological Race is based on mistaken notion of a genetically isolated human group Genetic traits are continuous so it is impossible to state where one group begins and ends and another starts Genetic traits are continuous so it is impossible to state where one group begins and ends and another starts Within a group, variations are greater than differences between groups Within a group, variations are greater than differences between groups Each trait is independent from the other Each trait is independent from the other Human species contain no subgroups Human species contain no subgroups

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Social Construction of Race Race is important because of the social meaning people have attached to it Race is important because of the social meaning people have attached to it Race is a social construct based on how people define themselves and others on physical and social characteristics Race is a social construct based on how people define themselves and others on physical and social characteristics Racial classifications are a function of how people define, label and categorize themselves and others into groups Racial classifications are a function of how people define, label and categorize themselves and others into groups Racism Racism The feeling that certain groups or races are inherently superior to others The feeling that certain groups or races are inherently superior to others

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Racial Formation A socio-historical process by which racial categories are created, inhibited, transformed, and destroyed A socio-historical process by which racial categories are created, inhibited, transformed, and destroyed Powerful define groups of people in a way that depends on a racist social structure Powerful define groups of people in a way that depends on a racist social structure Dominant group has the power to impose its racial definitions onto others Dominant group has the power to impose its racial definitions onto others In Southern U.S., social construction was known as the “one-drop rule” In Southern U.S., social construction was known as the “one-drop rule”

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Stratification by Class and Gender Stratification Stratification The structured ranking of entire groups that perpetuates unequal rewards and power in a society The structured ranking of entire groups that perpetuates unequal rewards and power in a society Class or Social Ranking Class or Social Ranking People who share similar wealth, according to Weber’s definition People who share similar wealth, according to Weber’s definition Upward mobility may be difficult for subordinate group members faced with lifelong prejudice and discrimination Upward mobility may be difficult for subordinate group members faced with lifelong prejudice and discrimination

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Sociology and the Study of Race and Ethnicity Ethnic and racial stratification Ethnic and racial stratification The structure and process by which race and ethnicity determines life chances and access to socially desirable resources such as housing, justice, education, wealth, power, etc. The structure and process by which race and ethnicity determines life chances and access to socially desirable resources such as housing, justice, education, wealth, power, etc. Stratification is interconnected by Stratification is interconnected by Racial Racial Ethnic Ethnic Religious Religious Age Age Gender Gender

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Theoretical Perspectives Functionalist Perspective Functionalist Perspective society is like a living organism in which each part contributes to the whole and emphasizes how the parts of society are structured to maintain its stability society is like a living organism in which each part contributes to the whole and emphasizes how the parts of society are structured to maintain its stability The five functions of racial inequality The five functions of racial inequality Racist ideologies provides justification for unequal treatment Racist ideologies provides justification for unequal treatment Discourages subordinate people from attempting to question their low status Discourages subordinate people from attempting to question their low status Justify existing practices but also serves as a rallying point for social movements Justify existing practices but also serves as a rallying point for social movements Racists beliefs provide support for the existing social order Racists beliefs provide support for the existing social order Relieve the dominant group of responsibility to address the economic and educational problems faced by subordinate groups Relieve the dominant group of responsibility to address the economic and educational problems faced by subordinate groups

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Dysfunctions of racial inequality Dysfunctions of racial inequality Fail to utilize all human potential and limits the search for talent and leadership to the dominant group Fail to utilize all human potential and limits the search for talent and leadership to the dominant group Aggravates social problems and places the financial burden of alleviating those problems on the dominant group Aggravates social problems and places the financial burden of alleviating those problems on the dominant group Investment of time and money to defend barriers that prevent full participation of all Investment of time and money to defend barriers that prevent full participation of all Undermines diplomatic ties between nations and affect efforts to increase global trade Undermines diplomatic ties between nations and affect efforts to increase global trade Inhibits social change because this may assist a subordinate group Inhibits social change because this may assist a subordinate group Promotes disrespect for law enforcement and the peaceful settlements of disputes Promotes disrespect for law enforcement and the peaceful settlements of disputes

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Conflict Perspective Assumes the social structure is best understood in terms of conflict or tension between competing groups Assumes the social structure is best understood in terms of conflict or tension between competing groups The subordinate group is criticized for its low status and the dominant’s group responsibility is often ignored The subordinate group is criticized for its low status and the dominant’s group responsibility is often ignored Ryan (1976) Ryan (1976) “Blaming the Victim” – portraying the problems of racial and ethnic minorities as their fault rather than recognizing society’s responsibility “Blaming the Victim” – portraying the problems of racial and ethnic minorities as their fault rather than recognizing society’s responsibility

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Labeling Approach Related to the conflict perspective and its concern over blaming the victim and is titled labeling theory Related to the conflict perspective and its concern over blaming the victim and is titled labeling theory Labeling Theory Labeling Theory Concept introduced by Howard Becker Concept introduced by Howard Becker Attempt to explain why certain people are viewed as deviant and others engaging in the same behavior are not Attempt to explain why certain people are viewed as deviant and others engaging in the same behavior are not Stereotypes Stereotypes Unreliable generalizations about all members of a group that do not take individual differences into account and is not limited to racial and ethnic groups Unreliable generalizations about all members of a group that do not take individual differences into account and is not limited to racial and ethnic groups

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. The Creation of Subordinate-Group Status Population Migration – 1 st Pattern Population Migration – 1 st Pattern Emigration or leaving an area to move elsewhere such as the Irish leaving Ireland Emigration or leaving an area to move elsewhere such as the Irish leaving Ireland Immigration or coming into an area such as the Irish coming to the United States. Immigration or coming into an area such as the Irish coming to the United States. Immigration may be voluntary or it may be involuntary Immigration may be voluntary or it may be involuntary Populations usually migrate because of a combination of push and pull factors Populations usually migrate because of a combination of push and pull factors

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Globalization The worldwide integration of government policies, cultures, social movements, and financial markets through trade, movements of people, and the exchange of ideas. The worldwide integration of government policies, cultures, social movements, and financial markets through trade, movements of people, and the exchange of ideas.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Annexation – 2 nd Pattern Annexation – 2 nd Pattern An indigenous group is incorporated into another society An indigenous group is incorporated into another society Colonialism – 3 rd Pattern Colonialism – 3 rd Pattern The political, socio-cultural and economic domination of an indigenous population by a foreign power The political, socio-cultural and economic domination of an indigenous population by a foreign power Internal Colonialism Internal Colonialism Relations between the colonizer and the colony are similar to those between the dominant and subordinate people within the same country Relations between the colonizer and the colony are similar to those between the dominant and subordinate people within the same country

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. The Consequences of Subordinate-Group Status Genocide Genocide Systematic extermination of subordinate group at the hands of the dominant group Systematic extermination of subordinate group at the hands of the dominant group Extermination Extermination The forcing of a specific subordinate group to leave certain areas or even vacate a country The forcing of a specific subordinate group to leave certain areas or even vacate a country Secession Secession A group ceases to be a subordinate group when it secedes to form a new nation or moves to an established nation, where it becomes dominant A group ceases to be a subordinate group when it secedes to form a new nation or moves to an established nation, where it becomes dominant

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Segregation Segregation The physical separation of two groups in residence, workplace, and social functions, generally imposed by the dominant group The physical separation of two groups in residence, workplace, and social functions, generally imposed by the dominant group Fusion Fusion Occurs when a minority and majority group combine to form a new group Occurs when a minority and majority group combine to form a new group Amalgamation Amalgamation The process by which a dominant group and a subordinate group combine through intermarriage The process by which a dominant group and a subordinate group combine through intermarriage Melting Pot Melting Pot Diverse racial or ethnic groups form a new creation, a new cultural identity Diverse racial or ethnic groups form a new creation, a new cultural identity

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Explusion Dominant groups may choose to force a specific subordinate group to leave certain areas or even vacate a country Dominant groups may choose to force a specific subordinate group to leave certain areas or even vacate a country

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Assimilation Assimilation The process by which a subordinate individual or group takes on the characteristics of the dominant group and is eventually accepted as part of that group The process by which a subordinate individual or group takes on the characteristics of the dominant group and is eventually accepted as part of that group Five reasons assimilation would take longer: Five reasons assimilation would take longer: Differences between minority and majority are large Differences between minority and majority are large Majority is not receptive or minority retains its culture Majority is not receptive or minority retains its culture Minority group arrives over a short period of time Minority group arrives over a short period of time Minority group residents are concentrated rather than dispersed Minority group residents are concentrated rather than dispersed Arrival is recent and the homeland is accessible Arrival is recent and the homeland is accessible

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Pluralism Implies that various groups in a society may have mutual respect for one another’s culture, a respect that allows minorities to express their own culture without prejudice or hostility Implies that various groups in a society may have mutual respect for one another’s culture, a respect that allows minorities to express their own culture without prejudice or hostility

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Biracial & Multiracial Identity Tiger Woods Tiger Woods The United States is becoming more diverse The United States is becoming more diverse

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Who Am I? Ethnic Identity Ethnic Identity Non-ethnics Non-ethnics Panethnicity Panethnicity Ethnicity as a political and bureaucratic administrative process Ethnicity as a political and bureaucratic administrative process Marginality Marginality The status of being between two cultures The status of being between two cultures DuBois “Double-Consciousness” DuBois “Double-Consciousness” Also caused by incomplete assimilation Also caused by incomplete assimilation

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Resistance and Change Dominant group define the terms by which all members of society operate Dominant group define the terms by which all members of society operate Continuing theme in dominant-subordinate relations is the minority group’s challenge to its subordination Continuing theme in dominant-subordinate relations is the minority group’s challenge to its subordination Resistance is seen in efforts by racial and ethnic groups to maintain their identity through newspapers, organizations, and modern technology Resistance is seen in efforts by racial and ethnic groups to maintain their identity through newspapers, organizations, and modern technology

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Resistance may begin through small actions that leads into a broader investigation Resistance may begin through small actions that leads into a broader investigation Change is occurring Change is occurring Hate-crime legislation Hate-crime legislation Afrocentric Perspective Afrocentric Perspective Emphasizes the customs of African Cultures and how they pervaded the history, culture, and behavior of Blacks in the U.S. and around the world Emphasizes the customs of African Cultures and how they pervaded the history, culture, and behavior of Blacks in the U.S. and around the world In considering today’s inequalities, it is easy to forget how much change has taken place In considering today’s inequalities, it is easy to forget how much change has taken place

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Questions

What are three examples of the Social Construction of race in U.S. Culture? What are three examples of the Social Construction of race in U.S. Culture?

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Describe the process of racial formation in America. How was it designed? Describe the process of racial formation in America. How was it designed?

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. What is the Function(alism) of racism in human society? What is the Function(alism) of racism in human society?

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Provide an example of the Conflict Perspective of Race in human society. Provide an example of the Conflict Perspective of Race in human society.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Besides racial groups, what other groups can be stereotyped? Besides racial groups, what other groups can be stereotyped?

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Was there ever a genocidal action in America? Describe how and against whom. Was there ever a genocidal action in America? Describe how and against whom.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. Why is it difficult for racial minorities to assimilate in the dominant group of America? Why is it difficult for racial minorities to assimilate in the dominant group of America?

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ All rights reserved. How do concepts of biracial and multicultural relate to W.E.B. DuBois’s notion of a color-line? How do concepts of biracial and multicultural relate to W.E.B. DuBois’s notion of a color-line?