Exploring Culture: Race, Ethnicity, and Gender

Question 1

Compare and contrast race and ethnicity.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Both race and ethnicity provide a basis for identifying groups of people based on characteristics. Race is determined by a group of physical characteristics. Historically, it has been used as a means of subjugation, where one group deliberately places another group at a disadvantage. Ethnicity is also socially constructed. It is based on a person’s language, religion, culture, beliefs, and common history. Groups of people often choose to associate based on ethnicity.

Question 2

What do scientists believe is the determining factor that causes skin color variations in groups of humans around the world? A. genetics – two people with the same skin color are more likely to be genetically related, even if they come from different parts of the world B. diet C. ultraviolet radiation exposure in a society over a long period of time D. vitamin deficiencies Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Question 3

Which of the following terms is used to describe the socially constructed roles and behaviors that are considered appropriate for men and women in a given society? A. language B. ethnicity C. gender D. inequality Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Question 4

The concept of knowing who we are and how we understand ourselves, as well as how others define us, is called __________. A. gender B. ethnicity C. nationality D. identity Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Question 5

Describe the impact of the ethnic conflict in the Balkans in the early 1990s.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Over 100,000 people were killed and 1 million people displaced from their homes during this conflict. Refugees flooded neighboring European countries and the European Union, and NATO sent peacekeeping troops to the region to prevent the conflict from restarting.

Question 6

Which of the following events is most likely to occur in a matrilineal society? A. All property is inherited by the oldest son upon the death of his father. B. Women change their last names when they marry. C. Children take the last names of their mothers. D. Men hold all positions of power. Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Question 7

What is the name of the official policy used by South Africa between 1948 and 1994 to separate races? A. apartheid B. Afrikaans C. verwoerd D. xantu Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Question 8

Compare and contrast how we define ourselves with how we define other people.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: We define both ourselves and others by comparison; we compare ourselves to others and others to ourselves. We also define ourselves in terms of our individual experiences and beliefs, but we define others in comparison to majority and minority groups.

Question 9

Explain what is meant by "race." What does it mean to say that race is socially constructed?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Race is the way humans categorize each other based on physical characteristics. It is socially constructed and has no biological foundation.

Exploring Culture: Race, Ethnicity, and Gender Answers

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