...Tricarico September 16, 2011 Race and Ethnicity What is Race and Ethnicity? Race and Ethnicity is usually determined by a person’s look. Their skin complexion, the shape of their eyes, their figure, and their attitude language. According to scholars there is no real definition of race, “Race is an idea”, so they haven’t found a real definition for Race. Ethnicity is mostly said to be pass down from their ancestors (from generation to generation). What is Race? 1. “Race is a cultural term that Americans use to describe what a person's ancestry is, and that unfortunately brings with it many misconceptions and erroneous biological connotations.” For this meaning, it is making the conception that Race is biological element which is passing down from our ancestors to us; which would more likely revile ours race just from looking at our body features they may determine or have an idea of what race they are apart. 2. “Is the general belief among the scientific community that race has no biological or natural basis and that the "race" related physical variations found in humans have no real significance except for the social/cultural importance put on them by people.” For this definition it’s stating that Race has no biological relative found in human. Its people who put an actually develop their cultural behaviors themselves to put it as there own category. 3. "The concept of race is a social and cultural construction. . . . Race simply cannot be tested...
Words: 606 - Pages: 3
...‘Race is a historically and culturally specific notion, embedded in a constellation of economic, political, and cultural discourses and uniquely linked to specific relations of power and authority’ (Hirschfield, 1998, p.34). It has been argued that race was an Enlightenment project that resulted from the desire to classify (Cohen, 1974, p.207). Racial thinking certainly existed before this period, but the modern concept of race is a more recent one that has developed from the encounter of more Europeans with other peoples (MacDonald, 1973, p.241). There is some disagreement as to when the construction of race took its current form. First, it has been suggested that the descriptions of race in ancient literature demonstrate that it originates in xenophobic beliefs (Hirschfield, 1998, p.34). The system of natural classification that developed in the Eighteenth Century is also seen as an important contribution (Hannaford, 1996, p.188). However, almost all studies agree that a distinctive development of racial thinking began to take place in the Nineteenth Century (Hirschfield, 1998, p.35). The Nineteenth Century saw the search for the historical and biological origins of race (Hannaford, 1996, p.235). It went beyond the simply classification of race and towards a more significant delineation of race into one that embodies characteristics, personalities and even mental abilities. Several key developments were relevant to this progression. These will be examined as follows: first...
Words: 2989 - Pages: 12
...Definition of Race Race is a group of people of common ancestry, distinguished from others by physical characteristics, such as hair type, the color of eyes and skin. Race as a social construction is changing as time goes on. Our daily lives are affected by race whether we are aware of it or not. We can see all over the world that race has affected various domains of our lives. From the types of jobs we have the amount of money we make, the kinds of friends we keep, the food we eat and even the schools we will attend. The entire foundation of race is constructed on a platform based on the color of people’s skin. The construction of social reality is based on social groups and the agreements and disagreements that are made based on the acceptance of certain constructions when it comes to our existence. There is nothing biologically real about race. I have learned that that there is no certain identification of race that exists from our collective agreements, acceptance, and positions other than our existing with one another. Race is a social construction that has real consequences and effects. Race shapes the way we view ourselves and those around us. We shouldn’t have an objective knowledge about race. We can know what race is and how it works being aware that regardless of the various shifts in the meaning of race that they have occurred through history and going to occur geographically but this should not lead to skepticism and the destruction of positive social constructions...
Words: 1379 - Pages: 6
...between the concepts of race and racism. Do you agree that the concept of race is socially constructed? Can you use the conceptual framework for understanding identity to understand racial discrimination? ……………………………………………….....………………………………………………………………………………………… ….………………………..………………………………………………………………………….......................................................... To answer the following question, we would go through a re-interpretation of the word race. Followed by the biological, historical and social aspects of race from where race becomes racism (idea of social construction which in itself contains the notion of Identity). When we claim the view of race on identity, we are slowly drifted to the currents of Ethnicity. Race is a modern concept. The English language didn‟t even have the word „Race‟ until 1508 when William Dunbar referred race to a lineage of Kings in his poem. Historical records show that neither the idea nor ideologies of race existed before the seventeenth century. We will now randomly take up a definition of Race, keep it as a base for understanding and then reinterpret it if required. According to “Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy”, the concept of race has historically signified the division of humanity into small number of groups based on five categories. i. Races reflect some type of biological foundations. ii. This biological foundation creates discrete racial groupings such that all people of the same group share the same biological characteristics. iii...
Words: 2224 - Pages: 9
...Race, White Privilege, and the Gospel Pre-Presbytery Workshop Presbytery of Chicago October 12, 2010 David Esterline, McCormick Theological Seminary Jennifer Ikoma-Motzko, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship 1 Why work against racism? Theological foundations God created all people good. To deny some people (because of skin color or language) the privileges other have, is to deny God’s good creation. To allow this system—in which some receive advantages simply because of skin color—to go unchecked is to deny that God made all people in God’s own good image. 2 Race Race is a social and political reality, not a biological or genetic reality. There is widespread agreement among scholars that race, as understood in the United States, is a social construct – rather than an objective, scientifically or biologically consistent characteristic of a person or group of persons. 3 Race How is it that there is such certainty about a concept that is so poorly defined? There is no agreement among scholars about a biological or physiological definition that can be sustained. 4 Race “Present-day inequalities between so-called ‘racial’ groups are not consequences of their biological inheritance but products of historical and contemporary social, economic, educational, and political circumstances.” American Anthropological Association 2006 5 Race Rewards—indicators of well-being—in the U.S. are based on racial group more than on any other characteristic or association...
Words: 820 - Pages: 4
...When examining the concept of race, it can be said that it is constantly fluctuating because of different factors. Race can be defined as a variable that is shaped by broader societal forces, whether it is political, social or economic forces. It is also important that views on race differ from country to country because of different agendas, whether it be to exert dominance or power over other groups. Race can be considered as a social construction because it is used to maintain hierarchies, as seen through it’s lack of biological support and shifting societal views on race. Race is a social construction because it is constantly changing due to shifting societal views on race. First, it is important to note that a socially constructed concept is an idea that is defined as “a perception of a group, individual or idea that is constructed through cultural or social practice” (Dictionary.com). In other words, society creates an idea of what race is, and how races should be distinguished from one another. Race does not have a consistent definition, and can change based on the society that is being examined. In “Racial Formations”, Omi and Winant discuss the use of race as a social concept and conclude that the definition is not rigid, but is used to maintain domination. Omi and Winant believe that this domination is a result of racial formation”, or the “process in which race operates as a central axis of social relations, which then determine social, economic and political institutions...
Words: 817 - Pages: 4
...Defining Race and Ethnicity (Name) ETH/125 March 29, 2011 (Instructor’s Name) Defining Race and Ethnicity Race is a type of subordinate group made up of a population with physical characteristics that differentiate them noticeably from other racial groups. This is not the only distinction. The biological diversities are given emphasis to by social significance, for a race is a social establishment and not a physical actuality. The fact that biological characteristics categorizing a specific race are frequently discovered in others, as well, only emphasize that there are no obvious difference between races from the point of biological meaning. Cultural differences characterize an ethnic group. Occasionally, what sets a group apart is physical characteristics and national origin and makes them particularly dissimilar from each other. Schaefer (2006) stated “Despite these difficulties, belief in the inheritance of behavior patterns and in an association between physical and cultural traits is widespread. It is called racism when this belief is coupled with the feeling that certain groups or races are inherently superior to others” (pp. 12-13). The United States is such a multiracial and multiethnic country, people with clear social uniqueness are not acknowledged. These concepts are important to United States society because it can be of help evenly to balance the rights selected dominant groups have, that are refused to subordinate groups, therefore eliminate...
Words: 419 - Pages: 2
... A Class Divided How is race both a reality and a belief? Race is used to signify different types of human bodies based on similar skin color and physical appearance. While there is no biological basis for racial classification, sociologists recognize a long history of attempts to organize groups of people based on similar skin color and physical appearance. The absence of any biological foundation makes race often difficult to define and classify, and as such, sociologists view racial categories and the significance of race in society as unstable, ever shifting, and intimately connected to other social forces and structures. The realities and beliefs that people have of race vary according to which type of dominant or subordinate group they fall into. Sociologists use these terms to identify powerful relationships that are based on perceived racial, ethnic, or other attributes and identities. To sociologist, a dominant group is a racial or ethnic group that has the greatest power and resources in a society. For them their reality and belief of race is that unless you have a specific eye, hair, or similar physical attribute, as in the video the kids were divided according to eye color, then those who don’t share that are cast aside and thought of as a lesser creature. However, you could say that there is no "race gene." There are traits that define a race, but really, it's all very subjective, because what happens when two different races have a child? They blend. They...
Words: 592 - Pages: 3
...Definition of Race Cristen Sanders SOC/262 February 29, 2016 Carol Definition of Race Race has been an issue in the United States for hundreds of years. At times it seems like more of an issue than it should be. No matter how far we come, it always seems that another issue arises and it leads back to race. If we view race as a social construction supported by political realities, can complicate things more than needed. We can compare this view to traditional, and biological definitions. The downside to both of these views can be seen. Traditional views of race may inhibit the thinking and beliefs of others. Going back to the slavery days to the Civil Rights Movement, and issues that have arose in more recent times, the arguments, and hate do continue. If we view race as social construction, more minds may be open to the idea of racial equality. Many of the racial issues we have today are supported by political realities. Politics are the main division of race. There are many political realities that fuel the racial fire. We see so many children involved in crime, abuse and so many other issues that plague us. So why is it when a child is killed, or a victim of police brutality, the media always emphasizes, that a black child was killed by a white cop? Would it not be a better idea to say a young adult or a teenager was killed by an officer? Race does not always have to be an issue. But as long as the media and politics are thrown in, then money is to...
Words: 1114 - Pages: 5
...World, that were later justified through racial theories (cf. Gossett 1997:17). [edit] Society Must Be Defended: the "race struggle" discourse In Society Must be Defended (1978-79), Michel Foucault traced the "historical and political discourse" of "race struggle" to the "Glorious Revolution" and Louis XIV's end of reign. According to him, it was the first example of a popular history, opposed to the classical juridical and philosophical discourse of sovereignty. In Great Britain, it was used by Edward Coke or John Lilburn against the monarchy. In France, Boulainvilliers, Nicolas Fréret, and then Sieyès, Augustin Thierry and Cournot reappropriated this discourse. [edit] François Bernier's New division of Earth by the different species or races which inhabit it" (1684) The first comprehensive classification of humans into distinct races is believed to be François Bernier's Nouvelle division de la terre par les différents espèces ou races qui l'habitent ("New division of Earth by the different species or races which inhabit it"), published in 1684 (Gossett, 1997:32-33). Bernier distinguished four "races": |[pic] |European, North African, Middle Eastern, South | |[pic] |Asian and Native American race | |This map shows the racial classification scheme of |East Asian, Southeast...
Words: 1269 - Pages: 6
...Does Race Exist? * Posted 02.15.00 * NOVA The concept of race is one of the most intellectually and emotionally charged subjects, not only in society but in science as well. NOVA Online asked two leading anthropologists, Dr. Loring Brace of the University of Michigan and Dr. George Gill of the University of Wyoming, who fall on either side of the debate about whether race exists in biologic terms, to state their points of view. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, we think you will find their arguments well-reasoned and thought-provoking. Loring Brace and George Gill come down on different sides of the question Does race exist biologically? Read their viewpoints here. EnlargePhoto credit: © andipantz/iStockphoto AN ANTAGONIST'S PERSPECTIVE by C. Loring Brace I am going to start this essay with what may seem to many as an outrageous assertion: There is no such thing as a biological entity that warrants the term "race." The immediate reaction of most literate people is that this is obviously nonsense. The physician will retort, "What do you mean 'there is no such thing as race'? I see it in my practice everyday!" Jane Doe and John Roe will be equally incredulous. Note carefully, however, that my opening declaration did not claim that "there is no such thing as race." What I said is that there is no "biological entity that warrants the term 'race'." "You're splitting hairs," the reader may retort. "Stop playing verbal games and tell us what you really mean...
Words: 3799 - Pages: 16
...What is race? Common responses in the Sociology 222 class were, 'race is something we are born with' and 'race is the same as skin colour'. When looking at these statements from a Sociological perspective, we have to ask ourselves a few relevant questions. Why are sociologists critical of the above statements? How do research writers challenge ideas about social construction and institutionalisation of race under apartheid and colonialism? This essay is going to discuss a number of readings in order to answer the above questions. This essay will also look at the relevance of the Jane Elliot experiment for thinking about, and understanding of race as a social construction. Lastly, this essay will discuss what we can learn about the dynamics of apartheid from the experiences of Sandra Laing in the film 'Skin'. In conclusion this essay will evaluate the various opinions and research done on the matter of race, and how race is socially constructed. Firstly, we have to look at how and why sociologists are critical of race as a biological phenomenon. Race is widely discussed and debated all over the world. The main sociological focus is the effects of social race and how race is used to categorize people into groups. When we look back in history, we see that race was seen as a biological factor for many centuries. When explorers from Europe in the New World discovered people who looked different, raised questions such as ‘Did God only make one species of humanity?’ and ‘Where...
Words: 1267 - Pages: 6
...isolated reproductively from other populations, whose members share a greater degree of physical and genetic similarity with one another than with other humans. a group of tribes or peoples forming an ethnic stock: the Slavic race. any people united by common history, language, cultural traits, etc.: the Dutch race. the human race or family; humankind: Nuclear weapons pose a threat to the race. (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/race?s=t) This is the definition given by the online dictionary I found, while the definition given by the sociological board for race is that although the essential characteristics of race are biological in origin, it is their transformation into a social variable by society that gives it its explanatory power during social situations. In this essay I shall be showing how these two different definitions of race contrast with one another in many different ways. First of all the dictionary definition of race and ethnicity defines them more on physical characteristics that certain groups of people would have in common when compared to others or are also of common descent. A prime example of this would be the physical differences between white and black people. While on the other hand, the sociological definition describes race and ethnicity as more of a thing we come...
Words: 660 - Pages: 3
...members of each race possess characteristics specific to that race. However, racism is also defined by many activists as a system of advantage based on race supported by some form of institutional power. While the definition of racism is highly subjective and open to interpretation, I believe that people of Color (POC) in the U.S. can be racist regardless of how one perceives the definition of racism. If we interpret racism as racial prejudice, everyone regardless of skin color can be racist because anyone can have their own opinion of another race. For example, I can believe that all African Americans are poor criminals just as they can believe that all Asians have small...
Words: 503 - Pages: 3
...What is the Difference Between ‘Sex’ and ‘Gender’? To start this essay I will clearly state definitions of ‘Sex’ and ‘Gender’ respectively. ‘Sex’ is described as ‘the biological properties that distinguish organisms on the basis of their reproductive roles.’(Princeton University – 2010). Whereas gender is listed as ‘the state of being male or female, typically with reference to social or cultural differences rather than biological.’(Michigan University – 2010). In this essay I will explore and investigate both sex and gender, whilst identifying the differences between the two. I will start by elaborating on the given definitions. Sex is defined on the Princeton University website as ‘biological’. This is a word that has recurred in many other definitions that I have researched for the word ‘sex’. This would suggest that sex is able to be categorized in a straight forward manner. However, there are several high profile cases in the media, when the issue of ‘sex’ has come into question. Perhaps most recently is the case of South African athlete, Caster Semanya. Semanya won the 800m race during the African Junior Championship, with the fastest time of the year. This lead to some spectators questioning her sex. When looking at the athlete she has an incredibly muscular and angular frame, and this coupled with her record breaking run made the International Athletic Association ask for a sex test. This case brought the issue of ‘sex’ into much disrepute. Now, we are...
Words: 1974 - Pages: 8
