Ssci 316 Study Guide Answers
study guide, chapter 1
1. Which is more problematic: acknowledging differences in groups or assigning a hierarchy to different groups?
Assigning a hierarchy to different groups is more problematic. For example if our society were to simply note that different groups are different, without an overt or implied status hierarchy, the issues of inequality would not be as important as they are today
2. Are race and ethnicity the only types of inequality in the US today? diversity in US today is not limited to ethnicity, race – other factors: social class (SES or socio-economic status), education, size of group, religion, language
As defined in this class what do the terms ‘majority’ and ‘minority’ refer to? (understand that a primary difference is relationship to power; it is not about numbers) minority group: reduced access to power, authority, resources – has the following characteristics (of group members) majority / dominant group: greater access to power, authority, resources
What is meant by the statement that inequality emerges from (and then contributes to) patterns of inequality in society? Do members of a majority group and members of a minority group have the same perspective of inequalities in a society? these patterns emerge due to majority (dominant) group’s actions. frequently the inequalities are not recognized by members of majority, dominant group
What is the distinction between racial minorities and ethnic minorities? Are these mutually exclusive? racial minority groups - defined as minority according to physical characteristics
ethnic minority groups - defined as minority according to cultural characteristics can overlap. result from historical and social processes not biological processes
How have we defined race in this class? – ethnicity? race: perceived physical differences
- categories change over time, from place to place
- no scientific proof of what the categories are or what criteria should be used to put a
1. Which is more problematic: acknowledging differences in groups or assigning a hierarchy to different groups?
Assigning a hierarchy to different groups is more problematic. For example if our society were to simply note that different groups are different, without an overt or implied status hierarchy, the issues of inequality would not be as important as they are today
2. Are race and ethnicity the only types of inequality in the US today? diversity in US today is not limited to ethnicity, race – other factors: social class (SES or socio-economic status), education, size of group, religion, language
As defined in this class what do the terms ‘majority’ and ‘minority’ refer to? (understand that a primary difference is relationship to power; it is not about numbers) minority group: reduced access to power, authority, resources – has the following characteristics (of group members) majority / dominant group: greater access to power, authority, resources
What is meant by the statement that inequality emerges from (and then contributes to) patterns of inequality in society? Do members of a majority group and members of a minority group have the same perspective of inequalities in a society? these patterns emerge due to majority (dominant) group’s actions. frequently the inequalities are not recognized by members of majority, dominant group
What is the distinction between racial minorities and ethnic minorities? Are these mutually exclusive? racial minority groups - defined as minority according to physical characteristics
ethnic minority groups - defined as minority according to cultural characteristics can overlap. result from historical and social processes not biological processes
How have we defined race in this class? – ethnicity? race: perceived physical differences
- categories change over time, from place to place
- no scientific proof of what the categories are or what criteria should be used to put a