SOC 134 Chapter 1: Race and Racisms: Chapter 1- The Origin of the Idea of Race
Document Summary
Race and racisms: chapter one- the origin of the idea of race. Social construction- an idea or way of viewing people based not on biological differences but on social perceptions. Race- a social construction to describe a group of people who share physical and cultural traits as well as a common ancestry. Race is entirely a social construction endowed through daily interactions. Race is a historical construction- formulated at particular historical moments and places. Colonialism- the practice of acquiring political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically. Before the conquest of the americas, humanity was not separated into distinct races. Spanish inquisition and england"s treatment of the irish= predecessors. Slavery existed in many ancient societies, but was not classified by race and slaves were treated with human dignity (adopted as kin, given property, etc) Americas = home to 100 million indigenous people. 1492- relationship between spaniards and natives quickly deteriorated.
