Question 1

Joan believes that most drug dealers are black. She continues to hold this belief even though she read in the newspaper that more whites sell drugs than blacks. Joan's attitude is an example of:
A) prejudice.
B) discrimination.
C) segregation.
D) institutional racism.

Accepted Answer

Joan's belief that most drug dealers are black despite evidence to the contrary is an example of prejudice, which is a preconceived, negative attitude toward a group of people based solely on the fact that they belong to that group. It is not discrimination, segregation, or institutional racism unless Joan takes action based on her belief, such as refusing to do business with someone because of their race.

Question 2

Soo Young is a fashion model who has difficulty getting work in the international modeling industry because of an industry-wide bias against fashion models who appear to be of non-European ancestry. This is an example of:
A) interpersonal racism.
B) institutional racism.
C) multiculturalism.
D) scapegoating.

Accepted Answer

Institutional racism refers to the ways in which societal institutions such as the fashion industry can create and perpetuate racial inequities through their policies and practices. In this case, the modeling industry as a whole exhibits bias against models who do not fit Eurocentric beauty standards, which creates systemic barriers for models of non-European ancestry like Soo Young. Interpersonal racism refers to individual acts of discrimination, while multiculturalism refers to the promotion of diversity and acceptance of different cultures. Scapegoating involves blaming a particular group for societal problems, which is not applicable in this scenario.

Question 3

Consider a society that enacts legislation that only allows members of a particular racial group to hold public office; this system further solidifies the categorization of people into distinct groups. This would be an example of:
A) racialization.
B) nationalism.
C) ethnicity.
D) prejudice.

Accepted Answer

Racialization refers to the process by which society creates categories based on race and assigns social significance to them. In this scenario, the legislation enforces a racial hierarchy and reinforces the idea that people belong to distinct racial groups. Nationalism refers to the belief in the superiority of one's nation and does not necessarily involve categorization based on race. Ethnicity refers to a shared cultural identity, while prejudice involves negative attitudes or beliefs towards a particular group.

Question 4

The term that describes the differences in human physical characteristics arbitrarily used to categorize large numbers of diverse individuals is:
A) ethnicity.
B) ethnocentrism.
C) race.
D) racism.

Accepted Answer

Race refers to the classification of individuals based on physical characteristics such as skin color, hair texture, facial features, etc. However, there is no biological basis for these classifications, as all humans share 99% of the same genetic material. Therefore, race is an arbitrary and socially constructed category that has been used to justify discrimination and inequality.

Question 5

Thinking in terms of fixed and inflexible categories, such as believing that all Muslims are religious fundamentalists, is best described as:
A) stereotyping.
B) discriminating.
C) racializing.
D) projecting.

Accepted Answer

Stereotyping is the act of making assumptions about an individual or group based on fixed and inflexible categories. Examples of this include assuming that all Muslims are religious fundamentalists or that all women are emotional and irrational. Discrimination involves treating individuals or groups unfairly based on these assumptions, while racializing involves making assumptions about a person's race based on stereotypes. Projecting involves attributing one's own feelings or thoughts onto another person.

Question 6

The term that describes cultural practices and outlooks of a given community that have emerged historically and tend to set people apart is:
A) ethnicity.
B) ethnocentrism.
C) race.
D) racism.

Accepted Answer

The term "ethnicity" refers to the cultural practices and outlooks that characterize a particular community. These practices and outlooks have developed historically and distinguish one group from another. While race can also be a factor in these distinctions, ethnicity emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage and social practice rather than biological differences. Ethnocentrism and racism are related concepts, but they denote attitudes and behaviors rather than cultural identity.

Question 7

According to the textbook, which of the following statements concerning race is true?
A) Race can be understood as a classification system that assigns individuals and groups to categories that are ranked or hierarchical.
B) There are clear-cut physical differences between races.
C) The genetic diversity between races is greater than the genetic diversity within them.
D) Race as a social construct is no longer important.

Accepted Answer

The textbook defines race as a classification system that assigns individuals and groups to categories that are ranked or hierarchical. This is because historically, some races were considered superior or inferior to others based on physical characteristics, culture, and other factors.

Answer: C 
 The textbook states that the genetic diversity within races is greater than the genetic diversity between them. This means that race is not a reliable indicator of genetic differences or similarities between individuals.

Answer: D 
 The textbook does not state that race as a social construct is no longer important. In fact, it acknowledges that race continues to be an important factor in various aspects of social life, including education, employment, housing, and criminal justice.

Question 8

Which of the following statements concerning minority groups is true?
A) Any group that is less than 50 percent of the population is considered a minority group.
B) All members of the group share the same physical features.
C) All members of the group have some sense of group solidarity.
D) Members have the ability to leave the minority group and assimilate into the dominant one.

Accepted Answer

The statement that all members of the group have some sense of group solidarity is true. This is because minority groups are defined as groups that are marginalized or have lower status in a society due to factors such as race, ethnicity, religion or sexuality. As a result, members of minority groups often band together for social, political, and economic support. The other statements are not necessarily true for all minority groups - for example, a group could have less than 50% of the population but not be considered a minority group. Not all members of a minority group share the same physical features, and some members may not have the ability or desire to assimilate into the dominant group.

Question 9

From the fifteenth century onward, as Europeans came into increased contact with people from different regions of the world, they attempted to categorize these people based on their physical attributes. These categories (which did not previously exist) became the basis of systems that shaped and constrained the people's daily lives. This is an example of:
A) aggregation.
B) eugenics.
C) racialization.
D) generalization.

Accepted Answer

The process described in the statement is racialization, which refers to the process of defining and categorizing people into racial groups based on physical attributes. Aggregation refers to the process of collecting and combining data or individuals into a group or category. Eugenics refers to the study of or belief in improving the genetic quality of the human population through selective breeding or other forms of intervention. Generalization refers to making general statements or conclusions based on limited or incomplete information.

Question 10

Although Scott, an African American, was more qualified than Bernardo, a Hispanic American, Bernardo was hired instead of Scott because the owner believed that Hispanic Americans are better workers than African Americans. Denying Scott the job is an example of:
A) prejudice.
B) discrimination.
C) projection.
D) institutional racism.

Accepted Answer

Discrimination refers to taking unjust or prejudicial action against someone based on their group membership (in this case, race). The owner's decision to hire Bernardo over Scott is an example of discrimination based on racial bias. Prejudice (choice A) is the attitude of having an unsupported or unreasonable preconceived belief about a group of people. Projection (choice C) is attributing one's own thoughts, feelings, and motives to someone else. Institutional racism (choice D) refers to patterns of discriminatory behavior and practices that are embedded within structures such as organizations, institutions, and society as a whole - this may have been a factor in the hiring decision, but it is not explicitly stated in the scenario.

Question 11

Adolph Hitler was able to convince the German population that Jews were to blame for the country's economic troubles. Jews in this example can be considered a(n):
A) stereotype.
B) scapegoat.
C) victim.
D) minority group.

Accepted Answer

Jews were made into a scapegoat by Hitler, meaning they were wrongly blamed for the economic troubles of Germany. A stereotype is a widely held, oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. Victims and minority groups do not accurately describe the role Jews played in the scenario provided.

Question 12

In 1735, Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus grouped human beings into four basic categories-Europaeus, Americanus, Asiaticus, and Africanus. His assumption about these four groups was that:
A) they had developed cultural differences but were essentially very similar.
B) they had innate qualities that were different but that could be modified through socialization.
C) their different cultural practices eventually produced physical differences.
D) they had innate qualities that were different and unable to be altered.

Accepted Answer

Linnaeus believed that the four groups had innate qualities that were different and unable to be altered, reflecting the racial thinking of his time.

Question 13

Many activists argue that "stop and frisk" policing tactics disproportionately profile men of color because over 80 percent of those stopped are African American and Latino. According to these activists, this practice is an example of: 
A) interpersonal racism.
B) institutional racism.
C) racialization.
D) ethnicity.

Accepted Answer

The practice of stop and frisk disproportionately affects African American and Latino men, suggesting that there may be institutional policies and practices in place that are discriminatory. This would qualify as an example of institutional racism. Interpersonal racism refers to individual acts of discrimination, racialization refers to the process of assigning racial identities to social groups, and ethnicity refers to cultural or national identity. While all of these may play a role in stop and frisk policing, institutional racism is the most accurate description of the problem at hand.

Question 14

In order to justify the institution of slavery, beliefs about the inferiority of enslaved people from Africa were developed and persisted after American slavery was abolished. This fits most closely with which of the following statements about racism?
A) Racism is a form of prejudice focusing on cultural differences between people.
B) Racist attitudes became entrenched during the period of Western colonial expansion.
C) Racist attitudes are found in all human societies because humans are designed to notice and dislike people who are different.
D) Racism resides in the individual conscience only.

Accepted Answer

The belief in the inferiority of enslaved people from Africa was used to justify the institution of slavery, and this belief persisted even after slavery was abolished. This suggests that racist attitudes became entrenched during a specific historical period, which aligns with choice B - the period of Western colonial expansion. options A, C, and D do not adequately explain the persistence of racist beliefs in the context of American slavery.

Question 15

Blaming immigrants for high unemployment rates is an example of:
A) scapegoating.
B) racializing.
C) institutional racism.
D) discrimination.

Accepted Answer

Blaming immigrants for high unemployment rates is an example of scapegoating, which is the act of blaming a certain group of people for problems without any evidence or justification. This can lead to discrimination and prejudice towards the targeted group.

Question 16

Jody is a white woman who has Irish ancestry on her father's side and enjoys celebrating St. Patrick's Day in her hometown of Boston. In most aspects of Jody's life, however, being Irish American has no meaningful impact on her day-to-day life. This example illustrates that:
A) ethnicity has become less important in the United States.
B) tension between racial and ethnic groups has declined over time.
C) whites in the United States have a choice of whether or not to be ethnic.
D) pluralism is growing in the United States.

Accepted Answer

This example demonstrates that ethnicity in the United States is a matter of choice for white people, as Jody can choose to identify with her Irish heritage and celebrate it on St. Patrick's Day, but it does not significantly impact her daily life. This suggests that ethnicity is not a fixed or essential trait, but rather a social construct that individuals can choose to emphasize or not.

Question 17

A white couple does not hold prejudicial attitudes about black people. However, they steer away from purchasing a home in a predominantly black neighborhood because they are worried about declining property value. Though they feel uncomfortable, they stick to white neighborhoods where the property is considered a better financial investment. This shows that:
A) only prejudiced people will discriminate.
B) discrimination is unavoidable, but prejudicial attitudes are not.
C) patterns of discrimination are easily fixed by individuals.
D) discrimination is possible from people who are not prejudiced.

Accepted Answer

This scenario illustrates that discrimination can occur even in the absence of prejudicial attitudes. Despite not holding any negative beliefs about black people, the couple's decision to avoid predominantly black neighborhoods results in discriminatory behavior. This suggests that addressing discrimination requires more than just changing individual attitudes; it requires structural and systemic changes as well.

Question 18

The attribution of characteristics of superiority or inferiority to a population sharing certain physically inherited characteristics is known as:
A) racism.
B) antiracism.
C) relativism.
D) nativism.

Accepted Answer

The attribution of characteristics of superiority or inferiority to a population sharing certain physically inherited characteristics is known as racism. This includes beliefs and attitudes that certain races are inherently superior or inferior to others.

Question 19

People who, because of their distinct physical or cultural characteristics, find themselves in situations of inequality within a society are known as:
A) an ethnic group.
B) a racial group.
C) a minority group.
D) scapegoats.

Accepted Answer

A minority group is a group of people who, because of their distinct physical or cultural characteristics, find themselves in situations of inequality within a society. This can involve unequal treatment in areas such as education, employment, housing, and healthcare. It is important to note that minority status is not necessarily determined by numerical minority, as a group can still be considered a minority even if it is relatively large.

Question 20

According to the textbook, the transferring of ideas or emotions from their true source to another object is called:
A) transference.
B) stereotyping.
C) discrimination.
D) displacement.

Accepted Answer

Displacement is a defense mechanism where emotions or ideas are shifted from their original source to a safer or more acceptable substitute.

Quiz 10: Ethnicity and Race

Joan believes that most drug dealers are black. She continues to hold this belief even though she read in the newspaper that more whites sell drugs than blacks. Joan's attitude is an example of:

Soo Young is a fashion model who has difficulty getting work in the international modeling industry because of an industry-wide bias against fashion models who appear to be of non-European ancestry. This is an example of:

Consider a society that enacts legislation that only allows members of a particular racial group to hold public office; this system further solidifies the categorization of people into distinct groups. This would be an example of:

The term that describes the differences in human physical characteristics arbitrarily used to categorize large numbers of diverse individuals is:

Thinking in terms of fixed and inflexible categories, such as believing that all Muslims are religious fundamentalists, is best described as:

The term that describes cultural practices and outlooks of a given community that have emerged historically and tend to set people apart is:

According to the textbook, which of the following statements concerning race is true?

Which of the following statements concerning minority groups is true?

Although Scott, an African American, was more qualified than Bernardo, a Hispanic American, Bernardo was hired instead of Scott because the owner believed that Hispanic Americans are better workers than African Americans. Denying Scott the job is an example of:

Adolph Hitler was able to convince the German population that Jews were to blame for the country's economic troubles. Jews in this example can be considered a(n) :

In 1735, Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus grouped human beings into four basic categories-Europaeus, Americanus, Asiaticus, and Africanus. His assumption about these four groups was that:

Many activists argue that "stop and frisk" policing tactics disproportionately profile men of color because over 80 percent of those stopped are African American and Latino. According to these activists, this practice is an example of:

In order to justify the institution of slavery, beliefs about the inferiority of enslaved people from Africa were developed and persisted after American slavery was abolished. This fits most closely with which of the following statements about racism?

Blaming immigrants for high unemployment rates is an example of:

Jody is a white woman who has Irish ancestry on her father's side and enjoys celebrating St. Patrick's Day in her hometown of Boston. In most aspects of Jody's life, however, being Irish American has no meaningful impact on her day-to-day life. This example illustrates that:

The attribution of characteristics of superiority or inferiority to a population sharing certain physically inherited characteristics is known as:

People who, because of their distinct physical or cultural characteristics, find themselves in situations of inequality within a society are known as:

According to the textbook, the transferring of ideas or emotions from their true source to another object is called: