Race and Ethnicity

Question 1

Define “ethnicity”

Answer 1

Belief in a shared origin and culture that distinguishes a group of people from outsiders. Often emerges or strenghtens as a result of migration

Question 2

Define “race”

Answer 2

Belief in fundamental biological/physiological differences between people, which are usually assumed to be visible (via skin color, hair texture, facial structure, etc.)

Question 3

what is the circular logic of segregation

Answer 3

Segregation forces groups into undesirable neighborhoods
Undesirable neighborhoods produce undesirable conditions and behaviors (see Shaw and McKay, on transition zone)
living under bad circumstances= natural outcome is social problems.
Fears about the segregated population emerge
These fear become justifications for segregation.

Question 4

Describe the African-american case of segregation

Answer 4

Residential segregation emerges with the abolition of slavery in 1865. Many African Americans move to industrial cities outside of the South (“Great Migration”). Black ghettos function relatively well until deindustrialization in the 60s and 70s (They are restricted to the black belt). Many worked in manufacture; no alternative jobs; they would have to move to the suburbs to keep the same jobs, but bc of discrimination they cant.
Then social problems become highly pronounced

Question 5

Massey and Denton: how is segregation reproduced today?

Answer 5

1) steering
2) financial institutions
3) Residential preferences
4) discrimination of landlords

Question 6

What is the difference between a ghetto and an ethnic enclave?

Answer 6

An ethnic enclave is voluntary, a ghetto is a segregated neighborhood created by discrimination, forced.

Question 7

what are the functions of ethnic enclaves ?

Answer 7

1) Gateway functions
(Co-ethnic employment and entrepreneurship; Ethnic businesses and services; Shared language)
2) Political influence
3) Safety
4) Identity and pride

Question 8

Ethnic enclaves shrink or disappear overtime, unless…

Answer 8

1) new migrants keep coming
2) the neighborhood serves a vital cultural function
3) the neighborhood becomes a destination for ethnic consumption