Final: Race and Ethnicity II

Question 1

What was the biological view point of “race”?

Answer 1

Ethnic grouping is “natural” and encoded within our genetics, as well as discrimination, prejudice, and ethnocentrism. These behaviours will likely continue since we cannot change our behaviours.

Question 2

What was the evidence that opposed the biological view point of “race”?

Answer 2

1) Violence between members within a racial/ethnic group.

2) Different racial/ethnic groups working together in anti-racist campaigns.

Question 3

Eugenics

Answer 3

A movement that is aimed at “improving” the genetic composition of the human race/

Question 4

Eugenics in Canada

Answer 4

Sterilization of visible minorities in Alberta and BC occurred starting in the 1920s, all the way until 1971. 25% of those sterilized were First Nations despite being only 2.5% of the Canadian population.

Question 5

Rushton

Answer 5

Stated the three races were: Negroids, Causasoids, and Mongoloids. Claimed that Negroids were less intelligent and more likely to engage in crime. Did not account for differences in the ways that crime is measured in various nations.

Question 6

Explain the relationship between science and racism.

Answer 6

The science for racism was never really there or tested. People simply used science to legitimate their hate. “Science” was used as propaganda.

Question 7

Frustration-Aggression Theory

Answer 7

A psychological explanation of racial crimes. Claims that frustrations in your life will lead to aggression in a racial fashion; creating a scapegoat. Problem with the theory is that everyone deals with frustrations in life, so an independent variable is hard to find.

Question 8

Authoritarian Theory

Answer 8

A psychological explanation of racial crimes. Claims that some people are just naturally more authoritarian and aggressive leading them to behave in a racist fashion.

Question 9

Normative Theory

Answer 9

The normative explanation for racial crimes. Originating in functionalism, states that prejudice and discrimination are passed down from generation to generation, and/or are a result of group socialization.

Question 10

What are the two things normative theory believes can explain prejudice and discrimination?

Answer 10

1) A person’s definition of situations,

2) Reference group norms.

Question 11

Robert Merton

Answer 11

Claimed that discrimination came before prejudice and stereotypes. People blame others for the lack of their success, demonstrating discrimination. Then they use prejudice and stereotypes to reason their actions.

Question 12

“The Vertical Mosaic”

Answer 12

Coined by John Porter. Porter believed that state policies had created a vertical mosaic. This was the idea that ethnic groups were layered vertically with charter groups at the top, and entrance groups below them. though Canada is a multicultural mosaic, it is still structured.

Question 13

Conflict Theorists and Racism

Answer 13

Believed that the struggle to accumulate wealth in capitalist societies is to blame for prejudice and discrimination. Immigrants are blamed for the poor economic situation experienced by members of the proletariat.

Question 14

Split Market Theory

Answer 14

Created by Edna Bonacich. Stated that there are three groups in society (rather than just bourgeoisie and proletariat): 1) Business/capitalists, 2) Highly paid (white) labour, 3) Lower paid (non-white) labour. Believed that the business class benefited from the working class fighting.

Question 15

What did John Porter argue about multiculturalism?

Answer 15

It will lead to inequality.