The Social Construction of Race and Ethnicity

The Social Construction of Race and Ethnicity
Due: November 21, 2021 at 11:59 PM CDT
Length: 1200 to 2000 words
Citation Style: MLA 8
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During the unit on race and ethnicity (Chapter 15), we’ve talked a lot about why racial and ethnic categories exist and how and why these categories change. We have discussed how humans are often socialized to believe that race and ethnicity are biological in nature (have a genetic basis). However, as we are learning in class, race and ethnicity are actually socially constructed.
In simple terms, this means that instead of remaining static, unchanged, and 100% objective, racial and ethnic categories are subjective. Definitions of race and ethnicity are constructed (and deconstructed) by society and definitions of race and ethnicity change throughout history and depending on where you are in the world.
As we learned from the documentary, racial and ethnic categories are socially created and/or changed for a purpose (even if that purpose is not a conscious decision). The way we are socialized to think about these identity categories–as “deviant” or “normal”, “good” or “bad”– changes as well. As people interested in sociology it is our job to examine what these purposes are.
In your 1200-2000 word essay, please address all of the following questions. Make sure to include examples of all of the concepts you are asked to define.
Remember to incorporate at least two sources from outside of class in your essay!
Define race and ethnicity in ways that clearly distinguish the two concepts. Explain how both race and ethnicity are socially constructed.
Remember, although both race and ethnicity are socially constructed, they are constructed in different ways.
Discuss in detail why societies have constructed (and reconstructed) racial and ethnic categories throughout history. What purpose(s) does defining race or ethnicity a certain way serve?
Think about how social power might come into play here. Who has the most power to define social things (in this case certain races or ethnicities) as “normal” or as “deviant”?
Why would those with social power want to define certain racial or ethnic categories a certain way? For what reason(s)? The documentary and the redlining video for Week 10 would be useful sources in answering this question in addition to readings.
Define the concept of stereotypes. How do stereotypes shape how we are socialized to think about race and ethnicity? In other words, how do stereotypes impact what we think we “know” about race and ethnicity?

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