Which of the following statements about race is most consistent with the social constructionist perspective? In society, race is:

Question

Which of the following statements about race is most consistent with the social constructionist perspective?  In society, race is:

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11ecba2d_0d70_4951_a3bf_95c1afca8d94_MD0008_00 Social constructionism is a sociological theory suggesting that "reality" is created through social interactions, resulting in agreed-upon, shared meanings. Objects (eg, money), behaviors (eg, handshaking), and categories (eg, race) have meaning only because individuals in society have agreed on that meaning, making them social constructs. Racial categories are considered social constructs because they have no clear biological basis and are largely defined by certain physical traits (eg, skin color). Racial categories also vary by society: an individual with one black parent may be considered black in the United States but not in another country. A definition of race that is maintained through social interactions is most consistent with the social constructionist perspective. (Choice A) There are no clear genetic markers that characteristically define any racial category. Also, the social constructionist perspective is concerned with the social (not biological) basis of race. (Choice C) Social status (one's rank relative to others in society) can be achieved (attained) or ascribed (assigned based on personal characteristics such as race or class). Race is an ascribed (not an achieved) status. (Choice D) From the functionalist perspective, which asserts that various parts of society work together to maintain dynamic equilibrium (ie, societal balance), race might be considered a social category that helps to maintain dynamic equilibrium, but this is not consistent with the social constructionist perspective. Educational objective: Social constructionism is a theory suggesting that social interactions establish "reality" through the creation of social constructs (eg, race), which have meaning only because individuals in society have agreed on that meaning.

Which of the Following Statements About Race Is Most Consistent