Chapter 11 : Ethnicity and Race

1. There is a common view that race is both a myth and a reality. Based on your reading of this chapter, explain how that is possible.

2. Summarize your textbook's discussion of the assimilation process experienced by of different American minorities, then write a short essay comparing the similarities and differences in assimilation experiences of Asians and Latinos . In your essay identify the criteria for assimilation and response discuss which group or groups ha ve s assimilated most readily. Then explain the sociological reasons for the difference in assimilation among between these two groups.

3. Racism has been a problem not only in our society but in many others as well. Discuss some of the different ways racism has been expressed at different times and places. How do sociologists explain the continuing presence of racism in society?

4. Does affirmative action still have a future in the United States? On the one hand, increasing numbers of African Americans have joined the middle class by earning college degrees, obtaining professional jobs, and purchasing new homes. Yet blacks are still far more likely than whites to live in poverty, to attend poor schools, and to lack economic opportunity. Given these differences and other contrasts mentioned in the text, do we still need affirmative action?

5. What does the global migration of the contemporary period look like ? What factors help to explain these current and emerging patterns ?

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