• 3.3: Race and Ethnicity

    • Race and Ethnicity Book

      Read this chapter for a review of race and ethnicity. As you read through each section, consider the following points:

      • Can you identify areas in your life where race and ethnicity have an effect?
      • Take note of the differences between race and ethnicity. Explore the idea behind race being a social construction, rather than a biological identifier. Take note of the definitions of majority and minority groups.
      • Take note of the differences between stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, and racism. Challenge yourself to think about some common stereotypes you might be familiar with.
      • Read about how the major theoretical perspectives view race and ethnicity. On a separate piece of paper, make a list of examples of culture of prejudice. For example, when you see an actor of (presumably) Middle Eastern descent in a film, how often are they either the hero or the villain? When you're watching television and commercials come on, what are some common themes you notice in the racial categories of the actors? How about images in high fashion magazines? Often times, when women of color appear in these ads, they are eroticized in some way, creating a visual of someone who is less than human.
      • Take note of the definitions of genocide, expulsion, segregation, pluralism, and assimilation. Also, pay attention to amalgamation and how it is somewhat similar to the classic melting pot theory.
      • Focus on the different experiences of various ethnic groups in the United States. Due to the current racial stratification in the U.S., how might race or ethnicity affect access to valuable resources like education or health care?

    • The Meaning of Race and Ethnicity Page

      Read the section on the meaning of race and ethnicity, which explores the idea behind race being a social construction, rather than a biological identifier.

    • Quiz: Race and Ethnicity
      Receive a grade

      Use this quiz to help you check your understanding of subunit 3.3. Once your score has been calculated, review your class notes and resource materials to better understand any questions you answered incorrectly.

      • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
      • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
      • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.