Question 1

You are likely familiar with the phrase "children are our future." With this context, why do you think it is important to understand how children's ideas about race and ethnicity develop?

Accepted Answer

Understanding how children's ideas about race and ethnicity develop is important because it directly impacts the future of our society. Children are the future leaders, decision-makers, and influencers, and their understanding of race and ethnicity will shape how they interact with others, how they contribute to creating an inclusive and equitable society, and how they address issues of discrimination and prejudice. By understanding the development of children's ideas about race and ethnicity, we can work towards creating educational and social environments that promote empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity. This understanding can also help us identify and address any biases or misconceptions that children may have, ultimately working towards creating a more just and equitable future for all.

Question 2

Think of an ascribed role that applies to you. How has this impacted your life? How would your life be different if a different role had been ascribed to you?

Accepted Answer

An ascribed role that applies to me is being the eldest child in my family. This has impacted my life in various ways. Firstly, I have always felt a sense of responsibility towards my younger siblings. I have often had to set an example for them and take on a leadership role in guiding and supporting them. This has taught me important life skills such as patience, empathy, and the ability to prioritize others' needs over my own.

Additionally, being the eldest child has also meant that there are certain expectations placed on me by my parents and extended family. I have often felt pressure to succeed and be a role model for my siblings, which has motivated me to work hard and strive for excellence in all areas of my life.

If a different role had been ascribed to me, such as being the youngest child or the only child, my life would likely be very different. As the youngest child, I may have had less pressure and responsibility placed on me, allowing me to focus more on my own personal growth and development. As an only child, I may have had more independence and freedom, but also potentially felt a sense of loneliness without siblings to share experiences with.

Overall, being the eldest child has shaped my identity and influenced the way I navigate the world. It has taught me valuable lessons and skills, but I also recognize that a different ascribed role would have led to a different set of experiences and challenges.

Question 3

Social scientists offer various explanations of the process of assimilation. Describe the differences between these approaches and explain which explanation you find most compelling. Why?

Accepted Answer

The process of assimilation, or the integration of minority groups into the dominant culture, has been a topic of interest for social scientists for many years. There are several different approaches to explaining this process, each with its own perspective and emphasis.

One approach to assimilation is the cultural assimilation model, which focuses on the adoption of the dominant culture's customs, values, and language by minority groups. This approach emphasizes the importance of cultural integration and the erosion of distinct cultural identities.

Another approach is the structural assimilation model, which emphasizes the integration of minority groups into the social and economic structures of the dominant society. This approach focuses on factors such as intermarriage, residential patterns, and occupational attainment as indicators of assimilation.

A third approach is the racial assimilation model, which emphasizes the process of racial and ethnic intermarriage as a key indicator of assimilation. This approach highlights the role of individual relationships and the blurring of racial and ethnic boundaries.

Finally, the segmented assimilation model takes into account the different pathways of assimilation experienced by different minority groups. This approach recognizes that assimilation is not a uniform process and that factors such as social class, immigration status, and discrimination can shape the experiences of different groups.

Of these approaches, I find the segmented assimilation model to be the most compelling. This model acknowledges the complexity and diversity of assimilation experiences and recognizes that assimilation is not a one-size-fits-all process. It takes into account the unique challenges and opportunities faced by different minority groups and provides a more nuanced understanding of assimilation. By considering the various pathways of assimilation, this approach offers a more comprehensive and inclusive perspective on the process of integration into the dominant culture.

Question 4

Imagine an alternative to Bonilla-Silva's conception of the emerging tri-racial stratification system in the U.S. What social change would be necessary to reach that alternative?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Imagine an alternative to Bonilla-Silva's conception of...

Question 5

Why is it important to understand that adult-centric thought is prominent in psychological and social science theories about how children think and learn? What other implications could this knowledge have aside from our understanding of children's learning of racial and ethnic issues?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is it important to understand that...

Question 6

Describe an experience in your childhood when you recognized racial and ethnic differences.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe an experience in your childhood when...

Question 7

Think of an example of how assimilation is depicted in popular culture in the U.S. and describe it. Can you also think of an example that depicts an alternative view of assimilation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Think of an example of how assimilation...

Question 8

Jiménez and Horowitz find that stereotypes assigned to Cupertino whites closely align with stereotypes about ethnoracial minorities in other settings. Why is this? What can we learn about how social norms about academic achievement operate through this study?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Jiménez and Horowitz find that stereotypes assigned...

Question 9

Discuss the problems with the color-blind ideology, or what Bonilla-Silva calls "color-blind racism."

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the problems with the color-blind ideology,...

Question 10

Discuss what the policy of "Mexicanize the Indian" means. Can you think of similar processes that occurred in the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss what the policy of "Mexicanize the...

Question 11

George Herbert Mead's idea that human knowledge develops mainly within the settings of human interaction is called the
A) Sociological imagination
B) Sociological eye
C) Social mind
D) Social structure

Accepted Answer

Mead's concept that human knowledge and the self emerge from social interaction is referred to as the "social mind." He emphasized the importance of communication, particularly symbolic interaction, in the development of the self and society.

Question 12

Which term describes roles that stay with people in all situations for their entire lives?
A) Ascribed roles
B) Achieved roles
C) Situational roles
D) Patterned roles

Accepted Answer

Ascribed roles are positions assigned to individuals or groups without regard for merit but because of certain traits beyond their control, such as race, gender, or family heritage. These roles are often seen as lifelong and unchangeable.

Question 13

Which term describes U.S.-born individuals of U.S.-born parents?
A) First-plus generation
B) Second-plus generation
C) Third-plus generation
D) Fourth-plus generation

Accepted Answer

Third-plus generation refers to U.S.-born individuals whose parents are also U.S.-born, indicating they are at least the third generation in their family to be born in the United States.

Question 14

Which trend describes the historical trajectory of where immigrants generally settle in the U.S.?
A) Immigrants used to settle primarily in urban ethnic enclaves and still do today.
B) Immigrants used to settle primarily in urban ethnic enclaves but now also settle in suburbs.
C) Immigrants used to settle primarily in suburbs but now also settle in urban ethnic enclaves.
D) Immigrants used to settle primarily in suburbs and still do today.

Accepted Answer

Historically, immigrants to the U.S. often settled in urban ethnic enclaves where they found a sense of community and shared culture. Over time, patterns of immigration have evolved, and immigrants now increasingly settle in suburban areas as well, seeking better living conditions, employment opportunities, and schools.

Question 15

Which term describes disparities in educational outcomes between blacks and whites, Latinos and whites, and recent immigrants and whites?
A) No Child Left Behind
B) Educational equality
C) Equality of opportunity
D) Achievement gap

Accepted Answer

The term "achievement gap" refers to the disparities in academic performance or educational attainment between different groups of students, notably between blacks and whites, Latinos and whites, and recent immigrants and whites.

Question 16

Which of the following terms describes the decline of an ethnic distinction and its corollary cultural and social differences, as defined by Alba and Nee?
A) Pluralism
B) Relativism
C) Assimilation
D) Mainstreaming

Accepted Answer

Assimilation refers to the process by which the characteristics of members of immigrant groups and host societies come to resemble one another, leading to a decline in ethnic distinctions and differences. Alba and Nee specifically focus on this concept in their work on immigration and integration.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT one of the categories in Bonilla-Silva's conception of the emerging tri-racial stratification system in the U.S.?
A) Whites
B) Honorary whites
C) Collective black
D) Other

Accepted Answer

Bonilla-Silva's conception of the emerging tri-racial stratification system in the U.S. includes Whites, Honorary Whites, and Collective Black as categories, but does not include "Other" as a distinct category.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons why race relations in the U.S. are moving to a tri-racial stratification system, according to Bonilla-Silva?
A) The demography of the country is changing.
B) White supremacy is disappearing.
C) Race relations have become globalized.
D) The attack on affirmative action is signaling the end of race-based social policy.

Accepted Answer

Bonilla-Silva argues that white supremacy is not disappearing but rather evolving in its manifestations and continues to influence race relations and the stratification system in the U.S. The other options (A, C, D) are considered factors contributing to the shift towards a tri-racial stratification system.

Question 19

Bonilla-Silva's concept of the emerging tri-racial stratification system is similar to the racial matrix in which part of the world?
A) Latin American and Caribbean countries
B) European countries
C) Asian countries
D) African countries

Accepted Answer

Bonilla-Silva's concept of the emerging tri-racial stratification system in the United States is similar to the racial matrix found in Latin American and Caribbean countries, where racial classification is more fluid and based on a combination of race, skin color, and social status.

Question 20

Bonilla-Silva predicts multiple consequences for race relations in the U.S. if the tri-racial stratification system takes hold. Which of the following is NOT one of these predicted consequences?
A) Racial politics will change dramatically.
B) The ideology of colorblindness will disappear.
C) Colorism may become a more important factor as a way of making social distinctions among blacks.
D) There will be a reshuffling of all racial identities.

Accepted Answer

Bonilla-Silva suggests that the ideology of colorblindness will not disappear but rather adapt to maintain systemic racial inequalities under a new guise, even as the racial stratification system evolves.

Quiz 3: Today: Remaking Race and Ethnicity

You are likely familiar with the phrase "children are our future." With this context, why do you think it is important to understand how children's ideas about race and ethnicity develop?

Think of an ascribed role that applies to you. How has this impacted your life? How would your life be different if a different role had been ascribed to you?

Social scientists offer various explanations of the process of assimilation. Describe the differences between these approaches and explain which explanation you find most compelling. Why?

Imagine an alternative to Bonilla-Silva's conception of the emerging tri-racial stratification system in the U.S. What social change would be necessary to reach that alternative?

Why is it important to understand that adult-centric thought is prominent in psychological and social science theories about how children think and learn? What other implications could this knowledge have aside from our understanding of children's learning of racial and ethnic issues?

Describe an experience in your childhood when you recognized racial and ethnic differences.

Think of an example of how assimilation is depicted in popular culture in the U.S. and describe it. Can you also think of an example that depicts an alternative view of assimilation?

Jiménez and Horowitz find that stereotypes assigned to Cupertino whites closely align with stereotypes about ethnoracial minorities in other settings. Why is this? What can we learn about how social norms about academic achievement operate through this study?

Discuss the problems with the color-blind ideology, or what Bonilla-Silva calls "color-blind racism."

Discuss what the policy of "Mexicanize the Indian" means. Can you think of similar processes that occurred in the U.S.?

George Herbert Mead's idea that human knowledge develops mainly within the settings of human interaction is called the

Which term describes roles that stay with people in all situations for their entire lives?

Which term describes U.S.-born individuals of U.S.-born parents?

Which trend describes the historical trajectory of where immigrants generally settle in the U.S.?

Which term describes disparities in educational outcomes between blacks and whites, Latinos and whites, and recent immigrants and whites?

Which of the following terms describes the decline of an ethnic distinction and its corollary cultural and social differences, as defined by Alba and Nee?

Which of the following is NOT one of the categories in Bonilla-Silva's conception of the emerging tri-racial stratification system in the U.S.?

Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons why race relations in the U.S. are moving to a tri-racial stratification system, according to Bonilla-Silva?

Bonilla-Silva's concept of the emerging tri-racial stratification system is similar to the racial matrix in which part of the world?

Bonilla-Silva predicts multiple consequences for race relations in the U.S. if the tri-racial stratification system takes hold. Which of the following is NOT one of these predicted consequences?