Deck 3: The Microcultural Context

Question 1

Because they are so successful at avoiding contemporary American society,the Amish are not legally American citizens and are not subject to most U.S.laws.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Today,Asian Americans represent about 25% of the population and are the largest microcultural group in the United States.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Many African Americans use Ebonics because

A)it expresses their unique history and maintains a sense of community.
B)it is required for certain types of employment.
C)it facilitates interacting with other microcultural groups.
D)it has deep religious connotations associated with European immigration.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Other traits that can distinguish a microcultural group include language or distinctive dress habits.

Question 5

In many cultures,microcultural group status is often determined by one's membership in

A)sex and racial groups.
B)educational classes.
C)political organizations.
D)family clans.

Question 6

Microcultures can be different from the larger culture in a variety of ways,often because of race or ethnicity.

Question 7

Asian Americans are now the fastest growing microcultural group in the United States.

Question 8

Like other microcultural groups,Hispanics/Latinos are concentrated in certain geographical areas in the United States.

Question 9

Microcultural group members generally practice

A)exogamy.
B)polygamy.
C)polygyny.
D)endogamy.

Question 10

The Hmong are traditionally a collectivistic,large power distance culture.

Question 11

The largest microcultural group in the United States is

A)Hispanics/Latinos.
B)Asian Americans.
C)Amish.
D)African Americans.

Question 12

Which of the following statements is generally true of microcultures?

A)They possess some distinctive physical or cultural trait.
B)They are typically uneducated.
C)They are not naturalized citizens of the United States.
D)They typically live in isolated parts of the country.

Question 13

The Amish immigrated to the United States to

A)establish polygamous communities.
B)establish polygynous communities.
C)practice their belief in exogamy.
D)escape religious persecution.

Question 14

According to the Muted Group Theory,interaction between dominant and subordinate groups is difficult because

A)subordinate groups cannot speak English.
B)subordinate groups have to express themselves using the dominated group's code.
C)dominant groups refuse to interact with subordinate groups.
D)dominant groups have to express themselves in the subordinate group's code.

Question 15

Though not always,microcultural groups generally have more power than the majority or "macro" culture.

Question 16

Microcultural group membership is typically

A)temporary.
B)involuntary.
C)linked to education.
D)gradual.

Question 17

Which of the following statements best summarizes the Muted Group Theory?

A)Because microcultural groups contribute little to the formulation of the dominant code,and are forced to communicate within the dominant mode of expression,they become muted.
B)Groups become muted because they lack the intellectual and phonological structures for language.
C)Muted groups possess a style of communication that is innately substandard and inferior.
D)Because microcultural groups contribute to the formulation of the dominant code,but are unable to use it,they become muted.

Question 18

Microcultural group members are often unaware of their subordinate status.

Question 19

In many cultures,the subordinate microcultural groups do not contribute to the construction of the language of the dominant group.

Question 20

Which of the following U.S.microcultures have best managed to isolate themselves from the dominant cultural influences?

A)African Americans.
B)Hmong.
C)Amish.
D)Mexicans.

Question 21

Outline and discuss the fundamental assumptions of the Muted Group Theory.

Question 22

Although considered plain,the Amish style of dress is significant because

A)of its historical accuracy.
B)of its relationship to "shunning."
C)it communicates one's role in the community.
D)it was borrowed from the Mormons.

Question 23

List and discuss the five characteristics that distinguish microcultural groups from the dominant group.