Download Chapter 9 Section 1

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
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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