Sociological perspective the difference between race and ethnicity
In Chapter 12 of your textbook, race and ethnicity are presented in detail. When looked at from a sociological perspective, the concepts of race and ethnicity and the consequences of these terms are far more complex than common usage and everyday understanding.
In your discussion posting, first:
1) Discuss from a sociological perspective the difference between race and ethnicity, along with the terms prejudice, racism and scapegoat. Explain how your racial or ethnic identity has played a significant (positive or negative) role in your life?
2) Racial and ethnic stereotypes are everywhere in the mass media (social media, television ads, magazines etc). Surveying some of these mediums, identify racial or ethnic stereotypes in the media. Who were the targets?
Race and ethnicity are typically misunderstood as most people often don’t fit into neat categories that are offered on forms with checkboxes. We don’t necessarily have any tests or scientific basis to separate people out; people are able to self-identify.
The dictionary by Merriam-Webster defines race as “a category of humankind that shares certain distinctive physical traits.”1
Race is usually associated with biology and linked with physical characteristics, such as hair texture or skin color and covers a relatively narrow range of options. Yet people of similar complexions/hair textures can be defined as different races, and definitions in the United States have changed over time.
While some may be considered to be of a certain race, Black for example, people may identify more with their individual ethnicity, as opposed to race. This could apply for any member of any race.
When completing paperwork that asks for race, you may be asked to identify yourself as belonging to one or more of the following categories:
Sometimes, you may be asked to select just one category. At other times, you may be invited to check all the categories that apply.
Ethnicity is a broader term than race. The term is used to categorize groups of people according to their cultural expression and identification.
Commonalities such as racial, national, tribal, religious, linguistic, or cultural origin may be used to describe someone’s ethnicity.
While someone may say their race is “Black,” their ethnicity might be Italian, or someone may say their race is “White,” and their ethnicity is Irish.