Category 1: Race & Ethnicity Basics
Which concept explains that race has no biological basis but is created by society?
Social Construct
What is the difference between prejudice and discrimination?
Prejudice is an idea or thought; discrimination is an action or behavior
The idea that society is made stronger by different cultures maintaining their traditions is known as what?
Cultural pluralism
Which type of racism occurs when policies or systems disadvantage groups?
Institutional Racism or Systematic Racism
What does the term “white nationalism” refer to?
The belief that white people should maintain dominance in political, social, and cultural life.
Race is to __________ as ethnicity is to __________.
Physical appearance; country of origin
What is an example of the self-fulfilling prophecy?
Susy’s negative beliefs about minorities cause her to act in a way that confirms them
The belief that different cultures should blend together into one dominant culture is called what?
Cultural assimilation / Melting Pot Theory
Which type is unconscious and automatic?
Implicit racism
What is the difference between equality and equity?
Equality: means giving everyone the same resources or opportunities
Equity: means distributing resources based on individual needs to ensure fair outcomes.
Which term refers to a group distinguished by physical or cultural traits seen as lower status in society?
Minority group
What is “stereotype threat”?
When people perform worse due to awareness of negative stereotypes about their group
What theory compares American society to a “salad bowl”? and what does it mean?
Salad Bowl Theory — diversity is maintained within unity
Which type is open and intentional?
Explicit racism
What is the goal of affirmative action?
To increase opportunities for historically underrepresented groups in areas such as education and employment.
If we lived in a truly colorblind society, what would NOT happen?
Formation of in-groups and out-groups based on race
“Ethnocentrism is prejudice based on culture, whereas racism is based on…”
Skin color
What theory compares American society to a “melting pot”? And what does it mean?
Melting Pot Theory — different cultures blend into one shared identity
A black voter choosing a black candidate solely for race would be an example of what?
Reverse racism
What is Critical Race Theory (CRT)?
A framework that examines how systemic racism is embedded in laws, institutions, and social structures.
What is the U.S. government’s role in defining race and ethnicity?
It creates official categories that influence how people identify and are treated
What’s the difference between de jure and de facto segregation?
De jure = by law (e.g., Jim Crow); De facto = by custom or habit
If an immigrant embraces American values and culture, what process are they engaging in?
Assimilation
Black Lives Matter protests focus primarily on which form of racism?
Institutional racism
How are white privilege and Declining Privilege Theory connected?
As awareness of white privilege grows and marginalized groups gain opportunities, some white individuals feel their advantages are being taken away.