Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Chapter 5: Race and Ethnic Variations

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Chapter 5: Race and Ethnic Variations


Race and Ethnicity

Race is a socially constructed classification system that assumes that physical differences represent genetic, biological, and psychological capabilities and predispositions.

Ethnicity refers to people from different cultural backgrounds.


Historical Context

Cultural themes that distinguish minority from dominant race/ethnic groups:

1. Collectivism/communalism

2. Familism

3. Patriachy


Assimilation and Acculturation

For minority groups in the U.S.: Assimilation—integration into existing

systems of social relationships. Acculturation—adoption of dominant

cultural values.


Ecological Conditions

Race and ethnic differences may be the result of ecological conditions brought about by prior historical experience. These include:– Social class– Prejudice– Discrimination– Segregation


Prejudice and Discrimination

Prejudice refers to negative impressions and bias towards minority group members.

Discrimination refers to negative and exclusionary behaviors towards minority group members.


African Americans

Until 2001, Were the Largest Racial-Ethnic Minority Group in the U.S. (12.5% of U.S. Population

Not a Uniform Entity, but a Very Diverse Group

Understood Within a Particular Social and Historical Context


Historical Transitions Affecting African American Families

From Africa to the United States

From Slavery to Emancipation

From Rural/Southern to Urban/Northern Areas


From Africa to the U.S. The three relevant factors in this transition

are:– Color–Skin tone has always had significant

effects on educational attainment, occupation, and income.

– Cultural Discontinuity–Culture disrupted by slavery and social conditions in the U.S.

– Slavery–African Americans did not choose to come here.


From Slavery to Emancipation

The Emancipation Proclamation and the end of slavery resulted in three patterns of family life:

– Tenant farmers;

– Skilled laborers; and

– Disrupted families.


From the Rural South to the Urban North

This geographic shift resulted in:– Metropolitan/urban residence– Heavy concentrations of poverty– Disruption of nuclear families– Geographic separation from extended families– Increased access to schools, social services, and

medical facilities


Socioeconomic Context

Black Americans have realized tremendous gains in recent years.

Disparities still exist in:– Employment– Income– Education levels


Two Patterns of African American Family

Matricentric—Female headed with males who come and go and who may struggle with unemployment and incarceration.

Two-parent—Males are likely to have more stable employment and assume an active role in decision-making and child-rearing responsibilities.


To Keep in Mind:

There is a wide range of family structures beyond these two patterns;

Perhaps more important than structure per se is the degree of parental involvement; and

The African American family institution is extremely resilient.


Hispanic American Families

The Hispanic American population includes people of Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, South and Central American, and Spanish origin.

The Hispanic American population is the largest and fastest growing ethnic minority population in the U.S.


Common Characteristics of Hispanic American Families

Collectivism/communalism—The incorporation of friends and extended family members into the lives of parents and children (compadrazgo)

Familism—High levels of obligation and responsibility to family members

Patriarchy—Emphasis on male leadership (machismo) and female subordination (marianism)



Socioeconomic conditions vary widely between Hispanic groups–Cubans are best off financially–Puerto Ricans and Mexican Americans

have higher rates of poverty


Patterns of Hispanic Family Life Hispanic families fall between Blacks and

Whites in percentages of both married couple and single parent families.

Female-headed families are more likely to be poor.

Male-female roles are changing. Levels of extended family integration are

higher than for White Americans.


Asian American Families

Chinese Filipino Asian Indian Vietnamese Korean Hawaiian Samoan

Japanese Thai Laotian Cambodian Hmong Guamanian


Historical and Socioeconomic Context

Compared to White non-Hispanics, Asian Americans as a group are younger, better educated, and have higher median family incomes.

Within this group there are substantial differences

in ancestry, language, culture, immigration, and residence patterns.


Marital/Family Patterns

Asian American Families are Characterized by:– High Marriage Rates– Low Divorce Rates– Strong Kinship Associations– Care of the Elderly– Children who Tend Toward Cultural

Assimilation


Native American Families

Hundreds of Distinct Tribes or Nations Over Half Live on Tribal Designated Areas,

Reservations, or Trust Lands Increased Numbers of Native Americans

Because of:– Rising Birth Rates– Reduced Infant Mortality– More People Identifying as Native American


Historical Context

Native Americans were the most disrupted of any minority group in the United States because:– Tribal lands were forcibly taken and others

franchised to Christian groups for proselytizing;

– Educational systems were designed to separate children from families and instill non-native values; and

– The federal government attempted to break up tribal landholdings and turn Native Americans into individual landowners and taxpayers.



Lower median age Shorter life expectancy Low educational achievement Under- and unemployment Poor housing conditions


Marital/Family Patterns

Low Marriage Rates High Rates of Interracial Marriage Strong Kinship Ties Extended Family Support Networks Less Rigid Gender Roles High Status for Elders

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Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Chapter 5: Race and Ethnic Variations