Race, Ethnicity, and Social Structure

A. Race

1. There are three classifications that are used.

Caucasoid- Whites, characterized by fair skin, and straight or wavy hair.

Mongoloids- Orientals, identified with yellowish or brownish skin, and distinctive folds on the eyelids.

Negroid- blacks that are distinguished with dark skin and course hair.

2. Race-a category of people who share inherited physical characteristics, and who are perceived by others as being a distinct group.

B. Ethnicity

1. Defined as the set of cultural characteristics that distinguishes one group from another group.

2. Ethic group- individuals who share a common sense of identity, and cultural background.

3. Ethnicity and race refer to two separate sets of characteristics.

A. One is based on cultural considerations, the other on physical considerations.

C. Minority Groups

1. The value placed on specific characteristics is determined by those who hold power in society.

2. By establishing norms and values in society, the dominate group members consciously and unconsciously create a social structure that operates in their favor.

3. The resources in a society are limited.

A. Privileged position of dominate group is often at the expense of the life chances of minority groups in society.

B. A minority group is a category of people who share physical characteristics or cultural practices that result in a group being denied equal treatment.