Question 1

Which of the following statements offers evidence that race is social rather than biological?

Accepted Answer

Option (a) provides evidence that the genetic differences between individuals of different races are minor and insignificant. Option (b) suggests that racial categorization is based on social recognition and is not universal. It is the social and cultural factors that contribute to the formation of races. Option (c) is not true because research has shown that there are no inherent differences in cognitive abilities between different racial groups. Therefore, options (a) and (b) provide evidence that race is social rather than biological, while option (c) is clearly disproven by scientific research. Hence, the correct answer is D.

Question 2

The belief that a particular group is inferior because of inherited physical differences that are inherently connected with behavioral differences is:

Accepted Answer

Racism is the belief that certain groups are inherently superior or inferior based on their physical characteristics, and it often involves negative attitudes and behaviors towards those groups. Genocide refers to the deliberate and systematic extermination of a particular group, while malice refers to ill-will or spiteful behavior towards others. Fundamentalism refers to a strict adherence to traditional religious beliefs and practices.

Question 3

Studies, like those conducted by Pager and Bertrand and Mullainathan, offer evidence that:

Accepted Answer

The studies conducted by Pager and Bertrand and Mullainathan provide evidence that race continues to have a significant effect on an applicant's employment opportunities, indicating that C is the best choice. Choices A, B, and D are not supported by the evidence provided by these studies.

Question 4

Genocide refers to:

Accepted Answer

Genocide is defined as the systematic mass murder of a group of people, which includes but is not limited to the Nazis' attempted mass murder of the Jews during World War II.

Question 5

Which of the following accurately describes the difference between race and ethnicity?

Accepted Answer

Race is typically characterized by physical or biological characteristics, such as skin color or facial features. Ethnicity, on the other hand, is based on a shared sense of history, culture, and traditions, often stemming from a common geographic origin. Ethnicity can include physical characteristics as well, but they are not the sole determining factor.

Question 6

Believing in the superiority of one's own ethnic group, believing that one's own cultural practices are natural, and viewing other group's practices with disdain is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Ethnocentrism is the belief in the inherent superiority of one's own ethnic group and cultural practices. It involves judging other cultures and practices as inferior and unnatural, often leading to discrimination and prejudice. Racism may involve ethnocentrism, but it specifically refers to discrimination and prejudice based on race. An inflated ego and a power trip do not accurately describe this concept.

Question 7

American culture and institutions were from the nation's origins distorted by racism and ethnocentrism. These ethnocentric attitudes of the native-born population toward immigrants might be called:

Accepted Answer

Nativism refers to the belief that native-born citizens are superior to immigrants, and the tendency to favor native-born citizens in terms of policies and opportunities. This belief has been present in American culture and institutions from the beginning, and has led to discrimination and mistreatment of immigrant groups. Essentialism, on the other hand, refers to the belief that individuals or groups have inherent or essential characteristics that define them, and is not necessarily related to nativism. Pluralism is the recognition and acceptance of diversity in society, and is not consistent with the ethnocentric attitudes of nativism. Therefore, the best choice is A) Nativism.

Question 8

Why was the Hans-Celler Act significant with regards to American immigration patterns?

Accepted Answer

The Hans-Celler Act eliminated the national origins system that favored immigrants from northern and western Europe. After the Act was passed, immigration from Asia, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean increased.

Question 9

Minority Group Theory refers to:

Accepted Answer

Minority Group Theory encompasses various aspects including the development of a general theory to address ethnocentrism, the influence of Louis Wirth in recognizing the existence of majority and minority groups in every society, the understanding that minority status is more about power differentials than numerical representation, and the role of stereotypes in prejudice.

Question 10

What is the difference between a stereotype and a prejudice?

Accepted Answer

A stereotype is a generalized belief about a group, while prejudice is an attitude that is based on stereotypes. Stereotypes can be positive or negative, but prejudice is always negative and stigmatizing. Prejudice is used as a basis for discrimination and domination by the majority group.

Question 11

What is meant by the statement: "Discrimination varies along two axes: scope and intentionality"?

Accepted Answer

The statement is referring to two dimensions that discrimination can vary along. The first dimension is scope, which refers to whether discrimination is individual or institutional. The second dimension is intentionality, which refers to whether discrimination is conscious or unintended. Option A is incorrect because it does not address the institutional vs individual dimension. Option B is incorrect because it does not address the intentionality dimension. Option D is partially correct as it includes the correct options of A and C, but also includes option B, which is incorrect.

Question 12

Which of the following is not a factor in Wilson's argument as to why the racial underclass exists?

Accepted Answer

Wilson's argument encompasses all the factors listed (A through D) as reasons for the existence of the racial underclass, indicating that none of the choices provided are excluded from his analysis.

Question 13

According to Chapter 10, what might explain reverse migration trends?

Accepted Answer

According to Chapter 10, reverse migration trends may be explained by both migrants moving back to the South to find jobs (option a) and a desire for voluntary segregation (option b). Option c is not mentioned as a reason for reverse migration in the chapter.

Question 14

What is the "Hispanic Challenge" according to Samuel P. Huntington?

Accepted Answer

Samuel P. Huntington argued that Hispanic immigrants, particularly those from Mexico, are unique in their resistance to assimilation into American culture, maintaining distinct cultural and linguistic identities separate from the mainstream, which he termed the "Hispanic Challenge."

Question 15

How has sociologists' understanding of assimilation changed?

Accepted Answer

Sociologists' understanding of assimilation has changed to recognize that it is a two-way process in which ethnic groups can maintain elements of their home culture. This view of assimilation is known as "multiculturalism" and acknowledges the importance of preserving cultural identity while still participating in the larger society.

Question 16

According to Chapter 10, how has globalization and postmodern social life changed American culture?

Accepted Answer

Chapter 10 explains that globalization and postmodern social life have changed American culture in multiple ways. These include the emphasis on political and civil values over ethnic, sexual, religious, or racial ones, the ease with which immigrant groups can maintain their 'diasporic' status, the notion that cultural values and identity are best thought of as a hybrid, and the obsolescence of the idea of a single, homogenous American identity. Therefore, the correct answer is E.

Question 17

Which of the following does not play an important role in immigrants maintaining ethnic identity?

Accepted Answer

Local school systems may not necessarily contribute to immigrants maintaining their ethnic identity, as they may not provide education on or recognition of their culture and traditions. The other options provide access to resources and connections that can help immigrants preserve their ethnic identity.

Question 18

What is the distinction between the 'melting pot' and the 'salad bowl' image of America?

Accepted Answer

The distinction between the 'melting pot' and the 'salad bowl' image of America is that the 'melting pot' suggests that all ethnic difference is boiled down into a common soup whereas the 'salad bowl' suggests that each ethnic difference adds something to the whole of the society.

Question 19

What does multiculturalism refer to?

Accepted Answer

Multiculturalism refers to the belief that many different cultures can and should co-exist in a particular region. It values diversity and recognizes the important contributions that different cultures make to society. It is often seen as a way to promote tolerance and understanding, and to prevent discrimination and prejudice.

Question 20

According to Chapter 10, what is the difference between multiculturalism and hyphenated Americanism?

Accepted Answer

Multiculturalism acknowledges and celebrates the public expression of multiple ethnic identities whereas hyphenated Americanism restricts an individual to a singular ethnic identity linked to their American identity (e.g. Italian-American, African-American).

Quiz 10: Race and Ethnicity