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Minority, Race, and Ethnicity (pages 276–279)
Sociologists have specific definitions for minority,
race, and ethnicity. Ethnic minorities have often
been subjected to prejudice and discrimination.
• minority
• race
• ethnic minority
Do you feel that prejudice and
discrimination still exist today?
A. Very much
B. Somewhat
C. Not very much
D. Not at all
0%
A
A.
B.
C.
0%
D.
B
A
B
C
0%
D
C
0%
D
Minorities
• A minority population is defined by
something more than size or number.
• A minority has several key features:
– A minority has distinctive physical or
cultural characteristics that can be used
to separate it from the majority.
Minorities (cont.)
– The minority is dominated by the majority.
– Minority traits are often believed by the
dominant majority to be inferior.
– Members of the minority have a common
sense of identity, with strong group loyalty.
– The majority determines who belongs to
the minority through ascribed status.
Which of the following characteristics
sets the minority group apart from
the majority group?
A. Religion
B. Skin color
C. Language
D. All of the above
0%
A
A.
B.
C.
0%
D.
B
A
B
C
0%
D
C
0%
D
Defining Race
• Members of a race share certain
biologically-inherited physical
characteristics that are considered equally
important within a society.
• Sociologists focus more on the social
attitudes and characteristics that relate to
race more than physical differences.
Defining Race (cont.)
• There is no scientific evidence that
connects any racial characteristic with
innate superiority or inferiority.
Does the term “pure” race exist?
A. Always
B. Sometimes
C. Never
D. Not sure
0%
A
A.
B.
C.
0%
D.
B
A
B
C
0%
D
C
0%
D
Ethnicity
• An ethnic minority is socially identified by
unique characteristics related to culture or
nationality.
• This type of minority is a subculture
defined by its own language, religion,
values, beliefs, norms, and customs.
Ethnicity (cont.)
• Negative attitudes toward ethnic minorities
exist in part because of ethnocentrism
(judging others in terms of one’s own
cultural standards).
• The majority may view a minority as
inferior because they differ in beliefs,
values, and norms.
Attitudes of Americans
Toward Immigrant
Minorities
Do you believe that there are ways to
bridge the gaps between an ethnic
minority and a majority group?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Not sure
D. Sometimes
0%
A
A. A
B. B
C. 0%C
0%
D. D
B
C
0%
D
Attitudes of Americans Toward Immigrant Minorities
minority
a group of people with physical or cultural
traits different from those of the dominant
group in the society
race
people sharing certain inherited physical
characteristics that are considered
important within a society
ethnic minority
group identified by cultural, religious, or
national characteristics