Race and Ethnicity

In terms of the concept minority group there are several groups of individuals who fall under this category. Certainly specific racial groups but also religious groups, women, the elderly, children, the disabled, the poor, and homosexuals are considered part of minority groups. Remember, the concept refers to status not the size of the group. So, if we are a member of one of these groups (and most of us are in at least one category) then it is our playing field. Due to our group status we will have different experiences and opportunities throughout our lives.(Image courtesy of domdeen/FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

So, why are people prejudiced against these minority groups? And, why do some discriminate against the groups or the individuals within the groups? How do we learn prejudice or even about “differences” for that matter? How early do we learn this?

Race and Ethnicity Review:

What is the difference between race and ethnicity? What is a minority group? What are the characteristics of a minority group? What is prejudice? What is discrimination? How do we learn prejudice? What is institutional discrimination? What is the functionalist perspective of prejudice? What is the conflict perspective of prejudice? What is the symbolic interactionist perspective of prejudice? What have been the major experiences of the different racial groups in the U.S.? Is it “race or social class?”