CHAPTER ONE SUMMARY 1
Christine Francois
This chapter introduces the concept of ethnicity as well as exploring race. Throughout the chapter
we learn about the variety of groups and how these groups are ranked. Race is defined, and how it is
racially constructed. They also touch base on biracial and multiracial identity. Moving more into the
chapter you see how sociology assist in the understanding of race and ethnicity. Other topics that this
chapter covered include subordinate groups, their consequences, and the changes that occur in racial and
ethnic groups. To begin it is important to have a clear understanding of what groups exist and how they
differ.
Groups in society are not treated equally. In the ranking groups there are minority or subordinate
groups, than you have the majority or dominant group. A minority group’s members have notably less
control or power over their own lives than the members of a majority group. (Schaefer, 2015) Despite the
status of being a minority, this does not conclude that they are outnumbered. The following are
characteristics of minority or subordinate groups. Unequal treatment, distinguishing physical or cultural
traits, in voluntary membership, awareness of subordination, and in-group marriage. As previously stated,
minority status is not about the numbers in the population, however it is clear to see that the White
American majority is decreasing as the growing diversity of racial and ethnic groups increases. (Schaefer,
2015)
CHAPTER ONE SUMMARY 2
Delving more into the minority or subordinate groups there are four types of groups within that
group. They are racial, ethnic, religious, gender, and the other subordinate groups. A racial group was
defined as being, “reserved for minorities and the corresponding majorities that are socially set apart
because of obvious physical differences” (Schaefer, 2015 p.6). This would be difference in hair types,
skin tones, presence of body hair, or whatever else society deems obvious. Next we have ethnic groups
which are groups that are set apart due to their heritage, nationality, or culture.
Cultural traits that are distinctive among groups usually are derived from their homeland. For
example you would see a difference in food of an Indian American household then you would a Haitian
