SOC 1 Study Guide - Symbolic Interactionism, Elder Abuse, Global Studies
Document Summary
Ethnicity is a term that describes shared culture and national origin. Minority groups are defined by their lack of power. Stereotypes are oversimplified ideas about groups of people. Prejudice refers to thoughts and feelings, while discrimination refers to actions. Racism refers to the belief that one race is inherently superior or inferior to other races. Functionalist views of race study the role dominant and subordinate groups play to create a stable social structure. Conflict theorists examine power disparities and struggles between various racial and ethnic groups. Interactionists see race and ethnicity as important sources of individual identity and social symbolism. The concept of culture of prejudice recognizes that all people are subject to stereotypes that are ingrained in their culture. Intergroup relations range from a tolerant approach of pluralism to intolerance as severe as genocide. In assimilation, groups conform to the identity of the dominant group. In amalgamation, groups combine to form a new group identity.
