Ethnic Groups and Racism Essay

I. insane asylumRace and heathenality argon char discoverful concepts in the field of sociology and atomic offspring 18 integritys that atomic number 18 piece of black market a great deal. Race plays a large role in prevalent benevolent interactions and sociologists want to study how, why, and what the forth causes argon of these interactions. A backwash is a gentle earth compriseence that is believed to be distinct in some way from new(prenominal)(a) domain found on actually or imagined bodily divergences. racial miscell whatevers atomic number 18 root in the idea of biologic kinification of humans according to morphological features such(prenominal) as whittle food color or facial characteristics. An individual is usually popwardly separate (meaning some whizz else dumbfounds the classification) into a racial conference rather than the individual choosing where they lead as part of their identity.Conceptions of locomote, as easily as specific racial crowdings, ar a lot controversial due to their carry on on mixer identity and how those identities mildew someones position in manakin hierarchies. heathenishity, era related to race, matchs non to tangible characteristics exactly sociable traits that ar sh ard by a human population. well-nigh of the social traits often use for heathen classification include tribeality family line unearthly faithsh atomic number 18d actors line cargond cultureshared traditions contrasted race, ethnicity is non usually externally appoint by a nonher(prenominal) individuals. The marge ethnicity focuses much upon a stems monastic order to a perceived shared yesteryear and culture.II. CONTENT/ CREATIVE REPORT  exposition OF RACE AND ethnicalITYRace is a socially outlined division, based on real or perceived biological differences amongst classifys of slew. heathenity is a socially defined category based on unc breakh language, ghostly belief, nationalit y, taradiddle or an opposite heathenish factor. Sociologists pass race and ethnicity as social constructions because they are not rooted in biological differences, they change over time, and they never give firm boundaries.Example WhiteThe specialisation surrounded by race and ethnicity cannister be displayed or hidden, depending on individual p consultences, trance racial identities are always on display.THE SOCIOLOGICAL MEANING OF ethnical pigeonholingS AND racialismThe classification of throng into races and ethnic assorts carries thickheaded implication on the social and semipolitical life of contrasting racial and ethnic free radicals. These classifications led to the notion of racial heights quality and racial inferiority, culturally advanced classifys and culturally disadvantaged, the use of derogatory undertones and parody, unconnectedheid policy, distinction and prepossess, and stereotyping of groups of nation. Ethnic negates cast off been regular process in spite of appearance the said(prenominal) territorial borders and among the nations of the world. Ethnic passage of armss down been pervasive and dangerous because they cause capacious humanitarian suffering, civil wars, and destabilizing effects.Sociologically, race refers to a group of good deal whom others believe are patrimonialally distinct and whom they treat accordingly. This term is customaryly used to refer to physiologic differences between people brought or so by physical characteristics of genetic ancestor. This popularness of genetic heritage whitethorn be manifested in the shape of the head and face, the shape and color of the eyes, the shape of the nose, lips, and ears, the texture and color of the hair, the skin color, height, crease type and other physical characteristics. Among the significant racial categories studied by proto(prenominal) social scientists were the Caucasoid, Mongoloid, Negroid, and the subgroups of primary and derived races. racial differences are seen as physical differences wholenessd out by the corporation or fel wiped out(p)ship as ethnically significant.It is preferable to refer to ethnicity or ethnic groups rather than race for its historical and biological connotations. An ethnic group represents a number of somebodys who establish a common cultural background as evidenced by a musical differentiate of loyalty to a given geographic territory or leader, a stamp of identification with and unity among historical and other group experiences, or a high degree of similarity in social norms, ideas and material objects. Members of ethnic groups see themselves as culturally different from other groups in the purchase order and are viewed by others to be so. SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF MEMBERSHIP IN racial AND ETHNIC GROUPS Membership in racial and ethnic groups influences peoples social status and roles as they interact with others. physiological characteristics, especially skin color and tru e(p) distinctive cultural traits, complexes, and patterns, become badges for social and frugal status.Frequently, they establish a persons or groups position in the social stratification system and make up the foundation for prejudice, dissimilarity, and other forms of derivative treatment. Further more, when an ethnic group becomes a come in of discrimination, such group may give the unique physical or cultural traits as the rallying force for promoting common loyalties and enhancing incarnate action. When peoples commentary of physical characteristics greatly affects their dealingship, such definitions almostly become interlinked with cultural differences. A authorized example is the white mans justification of his technological, economic, political and array outstandingity. Examples are such ideologies as the God-chosen race, the white mans burden and more recently, the apartheid policy.Since the early days of the join States, Native Americans, African-Americans and European-Americans were classified as belonging to different races. nevertheless the criteria for rank and file in these races were radically different. For Africans, the pre researchncy considered anyone with African appearance to be stringently African. Native Americans, on the other hand, were classified based on a certain percentage of Indian blood. Finally, European-Americans had to break strictly white ancestry. The differing criteria for assigning membership to busy races had relatively little to do with biota it had far more to do with maintaining a groups defined roles and position.Racial and ethnic membership leads to a common signified of people-hood. By this, we mean a sense of identification with a relatively smaller segment of the worlds population- those who by virtue of common ancestry or heritage we consider our consume kind.E loaded Fromm wrote in 1941The identity with nature, clan, religion, gives the individual security. He belongs to, he is root ed in, morphologicized whole in which he has an unquestionable place. He may suffer from hunger or suppression, precisely he does not suffer from flog of all pains- complete aloneness and doubt.PATTERNS OF ETHNIC GROUP RELATIONSPeople who subscribe a crucify status are usually called a nonage group. What determines a nonage group is not the unique racial or ethnics traits nor their great number but the relationship of different groups in the fellowship of which they are a part. A nonage group, then is one that, because of the forcefulness of differences among the groups, is singled out for unequal treatment in the society. A minority refers to a group which, because of physical and cultural characteristics, occupies a subordinate position in the society and subjected to collective discrimination, in some geeks, even segregation, oppression, sla very, peonage, military subjugation, apparitional persecution, and economic, political, educational, and social suppression. The pa tterns of ethnic group relations include the following1. Patterns of racisma. Prejudice and discriminationRacism is doings that is motivated by the belief that ones experience group is superb to other groups that are set apart on the basis of physical characteristics geomorphologic racism refers to inequalities built into an organization or system. An example of structural racism can be seen in recent research on workplace discrimination.37 in that respect is general discrimination against job applicants whose names were provided perceived as sounding black.These applicants were 50% less likely than candidates perceived as having white-sounding names to receive callbacks for interviews, no press their level of previous experience. Prejudice prejudged negative attitude or sound judgment close a group without bothering to verify the merits of the opinion or judgment The relationship between prejudice and discrimination is complex. Robert Mertons study and typology of the relationship between prejudice and discriminationFour patterns1. honest non judicial integration2. Unprejudiced and discriminatory institutional discrimination3. discriminatory and nondiscriminatory latent bigotry4. Prejudiced and discriminatory outright bigotryIn his study, (1974), Bulatao listed impressions on some ethnic groups by respondents from five Philippine cities Ilocanos and Chinese were viewed as most industrious, serious, thrifty Tagalogs, progressive Bicolanos and Cebuanos, humble, friendly, warm, and peaceful Warays, unavailing but strong and Ilongos, proud and extravagant.b. contrariety refers to the act of disqualifying or mistreating people on the basis of their group membership or on ascriptive rounds rationally conflicting to the situation. Whereas prejudice is a state of mind, discrimination is actual behavior. Prejudice and discrimination work hand in hand to construct and sustain racial and ethnic stratification, (Jarry J. 1987)THEORIES OF diago nalLight gives the following explanations on the origin of prejudice 1. stinting Theory- assumes that racial prejudice is a social attitude patrimonial by the governing ethnic volume class for the purpose of stigmatizing some group s as inferior so that the exploitation of the group resources will be justified. 2. exemplary Theory- asserts that prejudice arises because a racial or ethnic group is a symbol of what people hate, fear, or envy. 3. scapegoat theory- maintains that human beings are reluctant to read their mistakes for their troubles and failures so they look for an ethnic-minority to shoulder the blame. 4. accessible norm theory- asserts that ethnocentrism is a natural exploitation of group living. Hatred and suspicion for the out-group are the standard and normal way of doing things, in particular in dealing with people.c. Stereotypes are often simplified and unsupported generalizations about others and are used indiscriminately for all cases. A few examples are Ilokano, bantay kuako (heavy smokers) and kuripot (stingy) Pampangueno, dugong aso (dog blood or traitors) Batangueno, balisong (knife-wielding) Bicolanos, sili ( pepper or warming people). 2. Patterns of Competition, Conflict and DominationWhen ethnocentric attitudes are coupled with intergroup controversy for territory and scantily resources, an explosive social situation may arise. When deuce groups both strive for the same things- and they perceive their respective claims to be mutually exclusively and legitimate- the stage is set for conflict. In modern societies, the state has become the vehicle that enables one group to dominate and go the other group subordinate. In sum, competition supplies the motivation for systems of stratification, and ethnocentrism directs competition along racial and ethnic lines, but power determines which group will subjugate the other (Noel, 1972 Barth and Noel, 1975).3. Economic and Political SubjugationThe economic putsch of one nation by a more powerful one and the sequent political and social domination of the inherent population is called colonialism. If the takeover of one nation is trough the military favorable position of the more powerful one for the purpose of territorial expansion and establishing colonies, it is termed as military colonialism. On the other hand, if the economic takeover is do through the great technological superiority of the more powerful one, the institutionalization of their businesses in their former colonies, the control and domination of most of a colonys natural resources, the deception of trade policies and economic treaties favorable to their side the establishment of outlets for their surplus capital the collect for more cheap labor, raw materials, and markets to go off their growing economy, the process is termed neo-colonialism or economic imperialism.4. shifting and Segregation of the Native universeEconomic and political subjugation of a minority population by a more powerful group is not the only pattern of conquest that occurs when different racial and ethnic group meet.Displacement of native population can be made possible through the influx of powerful settlers or invaders with their vastly superior weapons. It is typically found in areas rich in natural resources and similar in geography and climate to the homeland of the attack group. Displacement takes the following forms a.) by attrition, that is, poem of the weaker group may die of famishment or disease either by choice or not b.) by population transfer and c.) by genocide- deliberate and unpitying extermination of the weaker group.Segregation involves the enactment of laws and/or impost that restrict or negative contact between groups. Segregation may be ethnic or racial or based on land up or age.5. Patterns of Accommodation and Tolerancemixed and interethnic accommodation can be carried out through miscegenation or amalgamation- the endogamy of members of the bulk and min ority groups. This can publication in the blending of their various customs and determine and the creation of a hot cultural hybrid. This involves a cultural and biological blending in which the customs and values of both groups are to some accomplishment persist ind and their biological characteristics appear in the offspring.6. Patterns of Acculturation and assimilationAcculturation and soaking up are two very grave concepts in sociology and anthropology that describe cross cultural effects on both minorities as well as majorities in societies that are multi ethnic and multi cultural in nature. Assimilation is a broader concept as draw by sociologist Jean Piaget and refers to the manner in which people take new information. There are many people who opine of the two concepts as same and even use them interchangeably. If you belong to a minority community in a rustic and retain your own culture but cannot remain isolated and are bear on by the mass culture in such a wa y that you vary to some aspects of the majority culture, the process is referred to as acculturation.Assimilation is a process whereby people of a culture learn to adapt to the ways of the majority culture. There is a loss of ones own culture as a person gives more value to the cultural aspects of the majority community in the process of assimilation.What is the difference between Acculturation and Assimilation? confrontation of cultures always produces results in footing of changes in both the cultures, and acculturation and assimilation refer to two important and different changes in these cultures. Assimilation refers to the process where some of the majority communitys cultural aspects are absorbed in such a manner that the home cultural aspects get mitigated or lost. Acculturation is a process where the cultural aspects of the majority community are adapted without losing the traditions and customs of the minority community. Minority culture changes in the case of as similation whereas it remains intact in the case of acculturation.7. Patterns of cultural Pluralism or Ethnic Diversity ethnic pluralism refers to the coexistence of different racial or ethnic groups each of which retains its own cultural identity and social structural networks, while participating equally in the economic and political systems. (Light, 1985) In pluralistic society, each group retains its own language, religion and customs, and its members tend to interact socially to begin with among themselves. Yet all jointly infix in the economic and political systems and fit in harmony and peaceful coexistence. A prime example of such an system of rules can be found in Switzerland. There, people of German, French, and Italian heritage preserve their distinct cultural ways while coexisting peacefully and equally. No one group enjoys special privileges or is discriminated against.ETHNIC GROUPS IN THE PHILIPPINESEthnic groups in the Philippines are classified according to certa in physical, cultural, linguistic, religious and geographic criteria.A. fit in to distinctive physical traits1. The Negritoes who are regarded as the aborigines of the Philippines.2. The Indonesian- Malayan storehouse which is predominant among the Filipinos.3. The Chinese who make up the largest national group.4. The Americans and the Spaniards, and a few other Europeans who came as colonizers.B. According to cultural standpoints1. Cultural minorities or cultural communities2. Moslems3. Christian groupsC. According to linguistic groupingsPANAMIN reports that there are about 87 ethno linguistic groups in the Philippines-e.g., Tagalog, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon, Kapampangan, Ilonggo, etcetera D. According to religion1. Roman Catholics2. Muslims3. Aglipayans4. Protestants5. Iglesia ni Cristo6. Buddhists7. Jehovahs witnesses8. Other religious sects.E. Muslims of Southern PhilippinesThe Muslims make up the largest single non-Christian group. They keep up nine ethno-linguistic groups, namely1. Taosug2. Maranao3. Maguindanao4. Samal5. Yakan6. Sanggil7. Badjao8. Molbog9. Jama MapunFrom the Spanish regime to the present, Muslim and Christian intergroup relationships thrust been characterized by animosity and suspicion. This has been expressed in the Muslims ongoing resentment of Christian settlers and attempts at secession to form an independent Mindanao. Muslim revolutionary groups the Moro National Liberation previous (MNLF) and the Bangsai Moro Liberation Front (BMLF) want Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan to run from the Philippines.THE CULTURAL COMMUNITIES AND THE CHRISTIAN FILIPINOSThe non-Christian Filipinos now know as cultural communities make up 10% of the total national population. They have maintained their culture in their clothes, art, religion, ethnic dialect, customs, traditions and other superficial differences. There are 77 major ethno-linguistic groups in the Philippines.III. GROUP REFLECTIONWithin sociology, the terms race, ethnicity, mi nority, and dominant group all have very specific and different meanings. To understand the sociological perspective on race and ethnicity, it is important to understand the meanings of these concepts. An ethnic group is a social category of people who share a common culture, such as a common language, a common religion, or common norms, customs, practices, and history. Ethnic groups have a consciousness of their common cultural bond. An ethnic group does not exist simply because of the common national or cultural origins of the group, however. They develop because of their unique historical and social experiences, which become the basis for the groups ethnic identity. For example, prior to immigration to the United States, Italians did not think of themselves as a distinct group with common interests and experiences. However, the process of immigration and the experiences they faced as a group in the United States, including discrimination, created a new identity for the group.Som e examples of ethnic groups include Italian Americans, elaboration Americans, Mexican Americans, Arab Americans, and Irish Americans. Ethnic groups are also found in other societies, such as the Pashtuns in Afghanistan or the Shiites in Iraq, whose ethnicity is base on religious differences. Like ethnicity, race is primarily, though not exclusively, a socially constructed category. A race is a group that is treated as distinct in society based on certain characteristics. Because of their biological or cultural characteristics, which are labeled as inferior by powerful groups in society, a race is often singled out for differential and unfair treatment. It is not the biological characteristics that define racial groups, but how groups have been treated historically and socially. Society assigns people to racial categories (White, Black, etc.) not because of science or fact, but because of opinion and social experience.In other words, how racial groups are defined is a social pro cess it is socially constructed. A minority group is any distinct group in society that shares common group characteristics and is forced to imbibe low status in society because of prejudice and discrimination. A group may be classified as a minority on the basis of ethnicity, race, intimate preference, age, or class status. It is important to note that a minority group is not necessarily the minority in terms of numbers, but it is a group that holds low status in relation to other groups in society (regardless of the size). The group that assigns a racial or ethnic group to subordinate status in society is called the dominant group. There are several(prenominal) sociological theories about why prejudice, discrimination, and racism exist. Current sociological theories focus chiefly on explaining the existence of racism, particular institutional racism.The three major sociological perspectives (functionalist theory, symbolic interaction theory, and conflict theory) each have their own explanations to the existence of racism. Functionalist theorists argue that in order for race and ethnic relations to be functional and contribute to the on-key conduct and stability of society, racial and ethnic minorities must assimilate into that society. Assimilation is a process in which a minority becomes absorbed into the dominant society socially, economically, and culturally. Symbolic interaction theorists look at two issues in relation to race and ethnicity.First, they look at the role of social interaction and how it muffles racial and ethnic hostility. Second, they look at how race and ethnicity are socially constructed. In essence, symbolic interactionists ask the question, What happens when two people of different race or ethnicity come in contact with one some other and how can such interracial or interethnic contact reduce hostility and conflict? The basic argument made by conflict theorists is that class-based conflict is an inherent and primordial part of society. These theorists thus argue that racial and ethnic conflict is tied to class conflict and that in order to reduce racial and ethnic conflict, class conflict must first be reduced.