Chapter 10 Flashcards
(74 cards)
define phrenology
the measurement of bumps on the skull to predict mental traits
disadvantage of race theory
it has weakened society by justifying barbaric acts of colonialism, slavery, and even genocide.
it is used to explain social inequality.
who invented the human races?
they were invented by anthropologist Johann Friedrich
why does skin come in different colours?
- melanin.
- how much melanin you have depends on where you live/your exposure to the sun.
- people who live closer to the equator have more melanin.
- people who live further away from the equator have less.
what is the scientific consensus
humanity originated in africa.
- all “first people” were dark-skinned
- as people migrated out of africa and elsewhere they adapted to the conditions of their new environment
why do europeans have “white skin”
their skin colours evolved over the past 8000 years when the first dark-skinned people migrated to europe.
Intersectionality
The concept that different social characteristics (income, race, gender, etc.) intersect and affect people’s experiences of privilege or disadvantage.
Ceteris Paribus
A Latin term meaning “all other things being equal,” used to isolate the effect of a specific characteristic while holding other factors constant.
Stratification
The hierarchical arrangement of individuals based on factors like income, wealth, race, ethnicity, and gender.
Intersection of Race and Income Inequality
Racialized minorities in Canada are more likely to be poor/working class compared to Whites.
Intersection of Gender and Income Inequality
Women, especially racialized women, are more likely to experience poverty (the feminization of poverty).
Privilege
The advantages some individuals have based on characteristics like race, gender, or wealth.
Disadvantage
The disadvantages or hardships faced by individuals based on characteristics such as being racialized, female, or poor.
Example of Intersectionality in Poverty
A poor Black man may face more disadvantages compared to a poor White man, and a poor woman may have a harder time than a poor man.
Prejudice
An attitude that judges a person based on real or imagined characteristics of their group.
ex: when someone assumes that a person is bad at math simply because they belong to a certain gender or ethnic group. This judgment is made without considering the individual’s actual abilities or experiences and is based solely on stereotypes or biases.
Discrimination
Unfair treatment of people based on their group membership.
Is race a biological category?
No, genetic differences do not define races. Humanity has intermixed so much that race as a biological category has lost meaning.
How is race socially constructed?
Race is a tool used by some groups to “others” and subjugate others. It is not a biological reality but a social concept.
ex: in the 18th and 19th centuries, the concept of race was used to justify slavery. People of African descent were categorized as “black” and treated as inferior to white people, even though there are no significant biological differences between these groups.
Should scientists use the term “race”?
Some suggest dropping it, but sociologists continue using it because racial perceptions still profoundly impact people’s lives.
What is race?
A social construct used to distinguish people based on real or perceived physical markers deemed socially significant.
Why does race matter?
It allows social inequality to be created and perpetuated.
How can race be used in society?
It can be used to scapegoat disadvantaged groups, blaming them for societal problems.
What is an ethnic group?
A group of people whose perceived cultural markers, such as language, religion, and customs, are deemed socially significant.
How do ethnic groups differ from one another?
They differ in terms of language, religion, customs, values, ancestors, and other cultural traits.
