eth125 wk1 diversity worksheet

Associate Program Material

Diversity Worksheet

Answer each question in 50 to 150 words. Provide citations for all the sources you use.

1. What is diversity? Why is diversity valued?

Diversity is the cultural, moral and lifestyle differences in our population around the world. Diversity is valuable because we would live in a very bland world without it. Customs and tradititions we share are what makes us al different. Learning about eachothers cultures is helpful as well, as everyone can benefit from learning something different and possibly find something relatable to our own cultures and backgrounds.

2. What is ethnocentrism? In what ways can ethnocentrism be detrimental to a society?

Ethnocentrism is when a group is judged based on their cultural beliefs. Ethnocentrism is detrimental to society because it teaches intolerance. In order for diversity to work out for everyone, we all must be willing to be open to learning about a group before judging, and accepting that judgement based on what we think we know. Ethnocentrism cuts off knowledge of a culture by segregating them into a group that isn’t acceptable.

3. Define emigration and immigration.

Immigration is defined, in the text Racial and ethnic backgrounds by author Richard T. Schaefer (2012), as leaving one place to settle in another. Emmigration is similar except someone would leave one place in search of a place, or country, in search of a new place to settle (p. 19).

4. What are some of the ways groups of people are identified?

There are many ways that people are grouped and identified. One way, that is more often used, is by race and ethnicity. Schaefer (2012) also mentions in this weeks text other ways groups of people are identified by religion, cultural and lifestyle differences, gender, age and sexual orientation. Age, physical appearance, sexual orientation are considered subordinate groups (Schaefer, 2012).

5. Why do people label and group other people?

Schaefer (2012) states “the theoretical perspectives of functionalism, conflict theory, and labeling offer insights into the sociology of intergroup relations” (p. 3). Basically it is easier to group and lable in order to refer to them in relation to others. This works for and against its reasoning. By grouping and labling, we are almost segregating everyone as a minority. Stereotypes often encourage lables.

6. Define culture. Is culture limited to racial and ethnic backgrounds? Explain.

According to author the author of Exploration Through Mapping, Janine M. Schall (2012), culture is defined as “context specific to a particular time and place, in which meaning is made” (p. 166) Basically what makes us who we are based on our backgrounds. Culture is not limited to race and ethnic backgrounds. Schall explains that culture not only food and holidays but language use and communication patterns, religious beliefs and rituals, gender roles, familiar relationships, as well as many more.

References

Schaefer, R. T. (2012). Racial and ethnic groups (13th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Schall, J. M. (2010). Cultural exploration through mapping. Social Studies, 101(4), 166-173.

References: Schaefer, R. T. (2012). Racial and ethnic groups (13th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Schall, J. M. (2010). Cultural exploration through mapping. Social Studies, 101(4), 166-173.