CHAPTER 10 Racial and Ethnic Relations Objectives Section

CHAPTER 10: Racial and Ethnic Relations

Objectives: Section 1: Race, Ethnicity, and the Social Structure Summarize how sociologists define the terms race, ethnicity, and minority group Identify the characteristics that distinguish minority groups from one another

Race, Ethnicity & Minority Group Race – a category of people who share inherited physical characteristics and who others see as being a distinct group

Race, Ethnicity & Minority Group Ethnicity – the set of cultural characteristics that distinguishes one group from another Usually based on origin, religion, language, customs, and values

Confused about Race vs Ethnicity? ? ? You are not the only one! It can be confusing in how they are used The terms RACE and ETHNICITY are often used as if they are synonyms, but they are not synonyms. Just remember, race = physical characteristics ethnicity = cultural characteristics.

Race, Ethnicity & Minority Group – a group of people who sometimes, because of their physical characteristics(race) or cultural practices (ethnicity), are singled out and unequally treated.

Characteristics That Distinguish Minority Groups Identifiable physical or cultural characteristics Victims of unequal treatment Group membership is an ascribed status Members tend to practice endogamy Members share strong bonds and a sense of loyalty