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Sociology Study Questions

In: Social Issues

Submitted By jayboog808
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Soc 120 Niyogi

Final Exam Study Questions 1. Discuss two aspects of the racial formation theory (Omi and Winant). Use examples to illustrate your answer. What role does the racial state play in racial formations?

2. In the movie, ‘Race: the Power of an Illusion’ (episode 2) how did expanding democracy intersect with American society becoming increasingly “race-based”? Why did race become one of the most important parts of national life?

3. According to Brodkin what was “the biggest and best affirmative action program”? Discuss two factors pointed out by her that contributed to the success of Jews.

4. John Smith a middle class white man, has lunch with Tatum (Defining Racism) and Lipsitz (Possessive Investment in Whiteness). Lipsitz says, “The U.S. is a racist society.” Tatum nods in agreement. John says, “I know what you mean. Yesterday, I got lost in a poor, black area of Washington D.C. I stopped for fast food and a black female server ignored my order and took the order of the black guy behind me. Role play Tatum and Lipsitz. How will you (as Tatum and Lipsitz respond to Smith’s remark?

We have a white dominant society. Can refer Schwalbe’s idea. Using the terms carefully. Different ethnics groups can be prejudice against others but has to be rational thinking. Its prejudice, not racist. Encountering prejudice is not pleasant but it does not effect your life chances. Police system was created for slaves – aka slave control.

5. What are the pros and cons of busing? How are busing and tracking connected? Drawing on Lareau and one other reading present your evaluation of whether affirmative action has a place in college admission policies

Pro – desegregates communities, forces whites and blacks to have same resources Cons- unfair, African Americans have to feel they have to achieve racial

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