Sociology: Race and Ethnicity Test Review

According to many Sociologists, race is best understood as which of the following?

• A strictly biological classification

• A socially constructed category based on traits a society considers important

• An unchangeable genetic designation

• A permanent scientific categorization

The "one-drop rule" in the United States demonstrates that racial categorization is:

• Scientifically precise

• Consistently applied across all contexts

• Arbitrary and socially constructed

• Based purely on genetic inheritance

Which statement best explains the difference between race and ethnicity?

• Race is based on physical traits, ethnicity on cultural heritage

• Race and ethnicity are exactly the same concept

• Ethnicity only applies to European populations

• Race is always more important than ethnicity

The sociological definition of a "minority" primarily emphasizes:

• The numerical size of a group

• Physical differences between groups

• A group's lower social status and reduced access to power

• Cultural distinctiveness alone

How did the definition of "White" change in the United States over the past century?

• It remained completely unchanged

• It expanded to include more ethnic groups over time

• It became more restrictive

• It was eliminated as a racial category

Which of the following best illustrates the complexity of racial identity?

• Cameron Diaz and Rosario Dawson being both Cuban American but different races

• All people from Spanish-speaking countries sharing the same racial identity

• Race being determined solely by skin color

• Racial categories being completely uniform worldwide

Why are women considered a "minority" in sociological terms?

• Because they are numerically smaller than men

• Because they occupy a lower status in society

• Because they have different physical characteristics

• Because they are always economically disadvantaged

The Census categorization of "Hispanic" demonstrates that:

• Race and ethnicity are completely separate concepts

• Hispanic is a racial category

• All Hispanic people share the same racial background

• Hispanic identity is determined by skin color

The concept of the "Caucasian" race originally:

• Referred only to people from the Caucasus Mountains

• Included a much broader range of populations than current racial categories

• Was a scientifically precise biological classification

• Excluded Middle Eastern populations

Why do sociologists argue that racial categories are socially constructed?

• Because physical traits vary widely and are not consistently applied

• Because race is completely imaginary

• Because all humans are genetically identical

• Because racial categories never change