GENDER, RACE, AND ETHNICITY

RACE AND ETHNICITY

Unit Objectives

Explore the concepts of race and ethnicity

Understand the extent and impacts of racial bias, preference, and segregation

Which is the most useful construct for us to consider when we think about social issues? In the US? Globally?

Squirming?Talking about race in

the US tends to make people uncomfortable.

Why do you think that is?

RACE IS NOT REAL. Race is a social construct. But the effects of our perceptions of race

are very real.

What do you know about race?

Quiz time!

RACE & ETHNICITY

Sociologically, a minority is someone that’s differentiated from the dominant group

Race = large category of people who share certain inherited physical characteristics (i.e. skin color & other physical characteristics) They are perceived by a given society to be biologically different from

others Genetic traits

There’s more genetic variation within racial groups than between racial groups

Racial classifications are assigned to people on the basis of arbitrary differences like the shape of the nose, the degree of pigmentation in the skin, and the texture of the hair.

ETHNICITIES

Race is based on perceived traits; ethnicity is based on cultural characteristics

Ethnic group = people who share a distinctive cultural heritage (language, religion, history, etc.) & feel they are a distinct people

Comes from Greek word “ethnos” which refers to a unique and cohesive group…i.e. us v. them

Ethnicity v. Race

Ethnicity and race are not the same thingEthnicity involves more than biological

characteristics. May include that, but goes well beyond to include person’s social and cultural identity….i.e. people of same race can have many different ethnicities

It’s hard to define race and ethnicity clearly: Ambiguity (video 6 min)

MINORITYRACIAL OR ETHNIC GROUP THAT’S SUBJECTED TO PREJUDICE & DISCRIMINATION

Prejudice = negative attitude toward certain people

Discrimination = unfavorable action against someone b/c they are a member of a certain group

Ethnicity – good or bad?

Ethnic Pride – sense of belonging & pride in one’s heritage & culture

Ethnocentrism: idea that one’s own group is superior to others (like racism for an ethnic group)

Ethnic groups usually have ties to a homeland -a place - has led to ethnic cleansing or violence to try to control land by destroying an ethnic group

Ethnicity is a strong force. Even if diffusion and globalization change culture, ethnicity will likely remain.

Ethnic Groups

Ethnic groups can be difficult to identify….usually self-identified. Do we see ourselves as a unique and cohesive group…i.e. us versus them?

Racial categories used to be simpler…now it is virtually impossible to classify people into “simple” categories of race or ethnicity.

Why?

Racial/Ethnic Distributions

In United States: 16% Hispanic 13% African American 5% Asian American 1% American Indian (63%) White Not-Hispanic (NOT an ethnicity…. why

not?)

Ethnic Clusters

Ethnic enclave: voluntary residential segregation based on ethnicity (i.e. ethnic neighborhoods…Hispanic barrios, China town, little Havana)

SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES: Functionalism

Functionalist = emphasizes peace & other positive forms; through 3 forms: 1. assimilation: minority adopts dominant

cultureStructural assimilation = social condition

where minority is accepted on equal terms (not guaranteed)

2. amalgamation: subcultures are blended together to form a new culture (melting pot)

3. cultural pluralism: peaceful coexistence of various racial & ethnic groups, each keeping it’s own subculture (in Switzerland: Germans, French, & Italians)

SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES: Conflict

To conflict theorists, racial & ethnic relations are negative, by racism = belief one’s own race is superior to othersPossible use of violence to improve

own circumstances

SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES: Symbolic Interactionist

If the dominant group defines a minority as inferior or dangerous, then interaction between them will be affected.

It’s a stereotype = oversimplified, inaccurate mental picture of others

PREJUDICE & DISCRIMINATION

Over many years, this has been built into you

Institutionalized discrimination = persistence of discrimination in social institutions

Crash Course Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7P0iP2Zm6a4&list=PLwxuI7E8CB3An7ETWOJdnXsxHHdjL0Mlp

CAUSES

1. Scapegoating = blaming others for one’s own failure

2. Socialization; if we are taught it, then we will likely play into it

3. Job security & business profit; minorities prevented from competing for jobs

4. Maintaining political and governmental power

SOLUTIONS

Busing programs and create “magnet schools”

Affirmative action = policy that requires employers & colleges to make special efforts to recruit minorities & women for jobs, promotions, etc.

DE JURE vs. DE FACTO SEGREGATION

de Jure = legalized segregation Plessy v. Ferguson Apartheid in S. Africa

DE JURE SEGREGATION

“Separate but equal” overturned by Brown v. BoE - 1954

Nelson Mandela in S. Africahttp://www.history.com/topics/apartheid

DE FACTO SEGREGATION

Not legal – just happens. Ethnic clustering or ethnic enclavesCan be based on religion, as well

Northern Ireland: Protestant v Catholichttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kx_TZeYtCpU

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Minority vs Dominant groups in society: A minority is the group subjected to

prejudice & discrimination. The dominant group holds greater power,

privilege, & prestige within the society.

Why/how did it begin in the US? Race A History

White Privilege

Does it exist?FreakonomicsName ChangeWhite Privilege Debate

GENDER

Gender roles = patterns of attitude & behavior that society expects of its members

In US, men are breadwinners & women have secondary incomes/homemakers

But women have many biological advantages over men, despite men having dominance in higher paying fields!

INEQUALITIES

Sexism = prejudice & discrimination based on gender

Involves sexual abuses like sexual harassment = unwelcome act of a sexual nature

SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES: Functionalism

Assigning different tasks for men & women 1. instrumental role: requires performance of a task (go

to work & make money; assertive) 2. expressive role: requires taking care of personal

relationships (offer love & attention, warmth, emotional; nonassertive)

BUT this is wrong! Women and men play both roles

Gender roles change, are men out of step? (video) http://www.cbsnews.com/news/as-gender-roles-change-are-men-out-of-step/

SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES: Conflict

Conflict theorists think gender inequality arose b/c men were able to exploit women into doing much work with little pay

SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES: Symbolic Interactionist

Symb. Inter. think the interaction itself between men and women reflects inequality

Example: group meeting—men talk more than women & tend to interrupt more