Question 1

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'race' as a social construction?

Accepted Answer

Race is a category created and maintained by societal beliefs and practices, not by objective biological differences.

Question 2

According to sociologists, why is the biological concept of race considered problematic?

Accepted Answer

Physical differences within a race are greater than those between races, and humans share more than 99.9% of their DNA.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of institutional discrimination?

Accepted Answer

A bank systematically denies mortgages to residents of certain neighborhoods, regardless of individual qualifications.

Question 4

What is the main idea behind the frustration or scapegoat theory of prejudice?

Accepted Answer

Individuals blame their own problems on racial and ethnic minorities instead of recognizing the real sources of their misfortunes.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes 'white privilege'?

Accepted Answer

The advantages that white people enjoy in daily life simply because they are white, whether or not they are aware of these advantages.

Question 6

A news outlet consistently uses images of Black people in stories about poverty, while rarely showing white people in similar contexts. According to the study materials, what is a likely consequence of this media practice?

Accepted Answer

It reinforces and possibly increases racial prejudice among viewers.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a criticism of affirmative action mentioned in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

It is needed to make up for past and ongoing discrimination.

Question 8

Which sociological theory explains prejudice as a result of competition over jobs, housing, and other resources?

Accepted Answer

Group threat theory (ethnic competition theory)

Question 9

What is the difference between individual discrimination and institutional discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Individual discrimination occurs in daily interactions, while institutional discrimination involves the practices of entire institutions, often unintentionally.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of a microaggression?

Accepted Answer

A person of color being repeatedly asked, 'Where are you really from?' in a workplace.

Question 11

According to the study materials, what is a major disadvantage of a strong sense of ethnic identity?

Accepted Answer

It can create conflict and prejudice among people of different ethnic groups.

Question 12

Which of the following statements best reflects the concept of 'structural racism'?

Accepted Answer

Public policies, institutional practices, and cultural norms work together to perpetuate racial group inequity.

Question 13

A Black applicant without a criminal record is hired at the same low rate as a white applicant with a criminal record. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Institutional discrimination in employment

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world example of racial profiling?

Accepted Answer

A police officer stops and searches Black and Latinx drivers more frequently than white drivers.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the change from Jim Crow racism to modern racism?

Accepted Answer

Modern racism is more subtle, involving stereotypes and blaming people of color for their problems rather than supporting overt segregation.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of white privilege?

Accepted Answer

Being able to walk down the street at night without fear of being stopped by police because of your race.

Question 17

Which of the following is a criticism of the cultural deficiency explanation for racial and ethnic inequality?

Accepted Answer

It ignores the role of institutional and individual discrimination in creating inequality.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the sociological explanation for why prejudice persists in society?

Accepted Answer

Prejudice is learned through socialization and conformity to cultural norms.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of how racial and ethnic inequality affects life chances in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Black and Indigenous American people have much higher infant mortality rates than white people.

Question 20

Which of the following is a reason cited by proponents for supporting affirmative action?

Accepted Answer

It is needed to make up for both past and ongoing discrimination and lack of opportunity.

Race and Ethnicity: Inequality, Prejudice, and Social Change in the United States

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards