Race, Ethnicity, and the Social Structure

Race Race is often thought of as the sorting of humankind into biologically distinct groups based on observable characteristics like skin color, hair texture, and facial features. The study of genetics has proven that there is more genetic variation within racial groups than between them. Biologically speaking, race is a myth Race is only important because people attach meaning and differences to it

Race Race is studied from a purely social perspective Race is a group of people who share observable physical characteristics and whom others see as being a distinct group For sociologists, these characteristics are not as important as the reaction others have to these characteristics and how those reactions affect society

Ethnicity Race and ethnicity are often used interchangeably, however they have different meanings Ethnicity refers to the set of cultural characteristics that distinguishes one group from another People who share a common cultural background and a common sense of identity are an ethnic group Culture is passed down from generation to generation if an ethnic group is to survive

Minority Groups No physical feature or ethnic background is superior or inferior to any other. However, people who hold power in a society may place arbitrary value on specific characteristics (i.e. language, etc.) Dominant-group members consciously and unconsciously create a social structure that operates in their favor

Minority Groups Minority group is a group of people who-because of their physical characteristics or cultural practices- are singled out and unequally treated As a result, minority group members view themselves as objects of collective discrimination The term minority has nothing to do with group size (ex. Women are considered a minority group yet make up half/more than half the world’s population) Dominant group is not necessarily the majority, but the group that possesses the ability to discriminate by virtue of its greater power, privilege, and social status in a society.

Minority Groups Certain characteristics distinguish minority groups from other groups: Identifiable physical or cultural traits that differ from the dominant group They are recipients of unequal treatment at the hands of the dominant group Membership in the group is an ascribed or assigned status Group members share a strong bond/sense of loyalty Members tend to practice endogamy or marriage within the same group A group must exhibit all of the characteristics to be considered a minority group

Homework Pg. 211 #1-6