Exploring Acculturation and Assimilation Theories Quiz

Cultural Studies

Sociology

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1. What is the definition and example of behavioral assimilation?

Behavioral assimilation only involves learning the language of the host society and not adapting to its cultural norms.

Behavioral assimilation refers to the process of asserting one's own cultural norms and values over those of the host society.

Behavioral assimilation refers to the rejection of the host society's culture in favor of maintaining one's own cultural identity.

Behavioral assimilation/acculturation occurs when a newcomer absorbs the cultural norms, values, beliefs, and behavior patterns of the "host" society. This... Behavioral assimilation/acculturation occurs when a newcomer absorbs the cultural norms, values, beliefs, and behavior patterns of the "host" society. This may also involve learning English and/or becoming an American citizen. Within this process, Asian Americans may choose to retain much of their traditional Asian culture, norms, and behaviors while still acquiring those of mainstream American society, or to discard his/her traditional forms of Asian culture entirely in favor of complete immersion and identification with mainstream American society.

Behavioral assimilation/acculturation involves absorbing the cultural norms, values, beliefs, and behavior patterns of the 'host' society, not asserting one's own over them. It goes beyond just language acquisition to encompass cultural adaptation. Retaining one's own cultural identity while adopting aspects of the host society is also a part of behavioral assimilation, rather than outright rejection of the host society's culture.

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About This Quiz

Exploring Acculturation And Assimilation Theories Quiz - Quiz

Explore the dynamics of cultural integration and identity shifts in this focused assessment. This quiz evaluates your understanding of acculturation terms, essential for students and professionals dealing with multicultural environments, enhancing cultural competence and adaptability.

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2. What is the definition of structural assimilation and provide an example?

Assimilation refers to the process by which Asian Americans lose their cultural identity and adopt that of the dominant culture.

Socioeconomic assimilation refers to Asian Americans completely isolating themselves from the host country's institutions.

Structural assimilation only applies to European immigrants and not Asian Americans.

The second major type of assimilation, structural or socioeconomic assimilation, refers to when Asian Americans enter and become integrated into... The second major type of assimilation, structural or socioeconomic assimilation, refers to when Asian Americans enter and become integrated into the formal social, political, economic, and cultural institutions of the host country -- i.e., when they begin to participate as full members of American society. Alternatively, it can also refer to when they attain socioeconomic mobility and status (usually in the form of income, occupation, residential integration, etc.) equal to other members of mainstream American society.

Structural assimilation is a key concept in understanding how immigrant groups become integrated into society. It involves more than just cultural assimilation but includes participation in all aspects of society to achieve socioeconomic equality.

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3. One of the most famous theories of assimilation comes from sociologist Milton Gordon. He theorized that there are three possible outcomes of assimilation. What are they?

Gordon's theory of assimilation includes outcomes such as segregation and isolation of minority groups.

Assimilation results in the complete erasure of minority cultures and their replacement with the dominant culture.

The first is Anglo conformity, which is when the minority or immigrant is taught that the norms, values, and institutions... The first is Anglo conformity, which is when the minority or immigrant is taught that the norms, values, and institutions of the majority group are superior and that they should adopt them in order to be accepted. This is symbolized as A+B+C=A. The second outcome can be the melting pot, a term that almost all Americans have heard about. That's when different racial/ethnic groups come together and out of this interaction comes a new culture that incorporates elements from all groups into one. This can be represented as A+B+C=D.The third possible outcome is cultural pluralism, which others have also called the "salad bowl." This is when the different racial/ethnic groups keep their unique cultural norms, traditions, and behaviors, while still sharing common national values, goals, and institutions A+B+C=A+B+C. Gordon concluded that up to this point in American society, Anglo conformity has best represented the history of assimilation in America.

The theory of assimilation has only one possible outcome, which is Anglo conformity.

The correct answer explains Milton Gordon's three possible outcomes of assimilation, emphasizing Anglo conformity, the melting pot, and cultural pluralism. The incorrect answers provided do not align with Gordon's theories and are therefore incorrect.

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4. Robert E. Park is known for his pioneering analysis in the 1920s in the Chicago school using a symbolic interactionist approach. What is Robert E. Park's theory regarding the Race Relations Cycle?

Robert E. Park: argued that racial and ethnic minorities should dominate and suppress the dominant group in modern societies.

Robert E. Park: believed in a long-term trend toward assimilation of racial and ethnic minorities in modern societies. Each migrating... Robert E. Park: believed in a long-term trend toward assimilation of racial and ethnic minorities in modern societies. Each migrating group will go through the Race Relations Cycle which has the following stages: Contact: through immigration, conquest, and so forthCompetition: Accommodation: involves a forced adjustment by a migrating group to a new social situation Robert E. Park. According to Park, ethnic groups come in contact with each other on a regular basis, and when contact occurs, a "race relations cycle" takes place. Contact: Migration (voluntary and involuntary) and exploration bring two different groups of people together.Competition: After the initial contact, the two groups that have come together compete for power and resources. This is referred to as economic competition.Accommodation: The subordinate group, which is usually the migrating group, adjusts to a new social situation. This stage is a critical component of the race relations cycle and often takes place rapidly.Assimilation: It may take a long time for the subordinate and/or migrant group to finally reach this final stage.

Robert E. Park: advocated for the segregation and exclusion of racial and ethnic minorities in modern societies.

Robert E. Park: proposed that racial and ethnic minorities should maintain their cultural and social differences without any interaction with... Robert E. Park: proposed that racial and ethnic minorities should maintain their cultural and social differences without any interaction with the dominant group.

Robert E. Park's theory focuses on the long-term assimilation of racial and ethnic minorities through the Race Relations Cycle stages of Contact, Competition, Accommodation, and Assimilation.

Explanation

Robert E. Park's theory focuses on the long-term assimilation of racial and ethnic minorities through the Race Relations Cycle stages of Contact, Competition, Accommodation, and Assimilation.

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5. What is a common criticism of the Gordon model?

It fails to address the role of racial prejudice and discrimination in the assimilation process

It focuses too much on power struggles and not enough on cultural assimilation

It overemphasizes the importance of structural assimilation over civic assimilation

Gordon's model has been criticized for neglecting power issues (different resources available to competing racial groups) and ignoring the fact... Gordon's model has been criticized for neglecting power issues (different resources available to competing racial groups) and ignoring the fact that not all groups reach cultural assimilation before structural assimilation (example Mexican Americans were found to be less culturally assimilated than African Americans, yet were more assimilated structurally). Furthermore, Gordon believes that, despite the struggle for power and ongoing racial prejudice and discrimination, all groups will eventually reach civic assimilation. The opponents of assimilation argue that full assimilation will never be reached while power and conflict struggles continue

The Gordon model has been criticized for neglecting power issues and the notion that all groups will eventually reach civic assimilation, despite ongoing power struggles and racial discrimination.

Explanation

The Gordon model has been criticized for neglecting power issues and the notion that all groups will eventually reach civic assimilation, despite ongoing power struggles and racial discrimination.

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6. What is the central thesis of the book 'Beyond the Melting Pot' by Glazer and Moynihan regarding ethnic and cultural pluralism?

The original customs and home country ways of European immigrants were mostly lost by the third generation, but this did... The original customs and home country ways of European immigrants were mostly lost by the third generation, but this did not mean the decline of ethnicity.their central thesis (that "melting pot" assimilation does not happen)

Ethnic and cultural pluralism leads to increased conflicts and division in society

Ethnic identity remains stagnant and unchanged across generations

Assimilation of all ethnic groups into one dominant culture is inevitable

The book argues that while the original customs of European immigrants may be lost over generations, ethnicity itself does not necessarily disappear.

Explanation

The book argues that while the original customs of European immigrants may be lost over generations, ethnicity itself does not necessarily disappear.

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7. What is the primordial or essentialist theory according to biosocial perspectives?

Biological diversity plays no role in shaping racial and ethnic identities.

Racial and ethnic relations are primarily determined by economic factors.

Primordial or essentialist theory: race and ethnicity is deeply rooted in the biological makeup of human beings, so genes are... Primordial or essentialist theory: race and ethnicity is deeply rooted in the biological makeup of human beings, so genes are linked to racial and ethnic behaviour.Criticism: racial and ethnic relations are social rather than biological. Edna Bonacich points out that many racial and ethnic groups have mixed biological ancestry. Jewish Americans, for example, have a very mixed ancestry: as a group, they share no distinct biological characteristics. Biologically diverse Italian immigrants from different regions of Italy gained a sense of being Italian American in the United States. The bonds holding Jewish Americans together were not genetically based, but rather the result of real historical experiences as they settled in the United States.

Race and ethnicity are purely social constructs with no biological basis.

The primordial or essentialist theory suggests that race and ethnicity are biologically determined, but this perspective has been criticized for overlooking the social nature of racial and ethnic relations.

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8. What are the major theoretical perspectives in race and ethnicity?

Evolutionary theories

Revolutionary theories

Biological determinism

Four main approaches that seek to explain various forms of ethnic and racial hostility:Social psychological approachesPrimordialismNormative theoriesPower-conflict theories*

The question focuses on the major theoretical perspectives in race and ethnicity, which include social psychological approaches, primordialism, normative theories, and power-conflict theories. The incorrect answers provided do not align with the established theoretical perspectives in this field.

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9. What do social psychological approaches focus on in relation to prejudice and racism?

Explains prejudice and racism as forms of hostility that arise from people frustrated in efforts to achieve goals

Emphasize the role of upbringing and education in shaping individuals' beliefs about different racial and ethnic groups

Focus on how prejudice and racism satisfy psychic needs of certain peopleExample: Frustration-aggression theory ? Explains prejudice and racism as... Focus on how prejudice and racism satisfy psychic needs of certain peopleExample: Frustration-aggression theory ? Explains prejudice and racism as forms of hostility that arise from people frustrated in efforts to achieve goalsRacial and ethnic groups become safe targets (i.e., scapegoats) of displaced aggressionLimitation: Does not specify circumstances that lead to aggression, or why some groups rather than others are chosen as scapegoats*

Suggest that prejudice and racism are biologically ingrained traits in individuals

Social psychological approaches focus on examining how certain psychological needs are met through the expression of prejudice and racism, rather than solely attributing them to frustration or biological factors.

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10. What do normative theories focus on in relation to prejudices?

Focus on how prejudices are innate and cannot be changed

Focus on biological determinants of prejudices

Focus on how prejudices are solely influenced by personal experiences and not societal factors

Focus on how prejudices are transmitted through socialization and social circumstances that compel discriminatory behaviourExample: Socialization approach ? Focuses on... Focus on how prejudices are transmitted through socialization and social circumstances that compel discriminatory behaviourExample: Socialization approach ? Focuses on how we are taught ethnic and racial stereotypes , prejudices, and attitudes by families, peer groups, and mass mediaArgue that prejudice and attitudes are learned through social interactionLimitation: Unable to explain how prejudicial ideas, attitudes, and practices first arise*

Normative theories primarily focus on how prejudices are transmitted through socialization and social circumstances, emphasizing the role of social interactions and societal influences in shaping discriminatory behaviors.

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11. The _________ suggests that ethnic and racial attachments reflect an innate tendency for people to seek out, and associate with, others who are similar in terms of language, culture, beliefs, ancestry, and appearance.

Constructivist thesis

Assimilationist thesis

Primordial thesis

Pluralist thesis

The correct term that describes the idea presented in the question is the 'primordial thesis', which posits that individuals have an inherent inclination to identify with others who share similar characteristics. This contrasts with the 'constructivist thesis' that emphasizes societal influences in shaping ethnic and racial identities, the 'assimilationist thesis' that promotes the integration of different ethnic groups into a common culture, and the 'pluralist thesis' that advocates for the coexistence of multiple ethnic identities within a society.

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12. The split-labour market theory suggests that racial and ethnic conflict are rooted in differences in the price of labour.

Equilibrium theory

Intersectionality theory

Split-labour market theory

Conflict theory

The split-labour market theory posits that racial and ethnic conflict arise from the division of the labor market into primary and secondary sectors with differential wages and working conditions, leading to social hierarchy and conflict.

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13. What is an unfavourable, generalized and rigid belief applied to all members of a group called?

Discrimination

Prejudice

Stereotype

Racism

Prejudice is a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience, and is often negative towards a particular group. Stereotype is a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. Discrimination is the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex. Racism is the belief that one's own race is superior and has the right to dominate others or that a particular racial group is inferior to others.

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14. Ethnic and racial __________ are exaggerated, oversimplified images of the characteristics of social groups.

Prejudices

Bias

Discrimination

Stereotypes

Stereotypes refer to fixed, oversimplified beliefs about a particular group of people. Prejudices, discrimination, and bias are related but not the exact definitions of stereotypes.

Explanation

Stereotypes refer to fixed, oversimplified beliefs about a particular group of people. Prejudices, discrimination, and bias are related but not the exact definitions of stereotypes.

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15. The term __________ refers to practices that deny members of particular groups equal access to societal rewards.

Exclusion

Inequality

Discrimination

Prejudice

Discrimination is the act of unjustly treating individuals or groups differently based on factors such as race, gender, or age, resulting in their unequal access to opportunities and rewards.

Explanation

Discrimination is the act of unjustly treating individuals or groups differently based on factors such as race, gender, or age, resulting in their unequal access to opportunities and rewards.

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16. The concept of ________ refers to discriminatory racial practices built into such prominent structures as the political, economic, and educational systems.

Institutional racism

Systematic racism

Individual racism

Cultural racism

Institutional racism is the correct term for discriminatory practices embedded in prominent structures. Systematic racism, individual racism, and cultural racism do not capture the systemic nature of discriminatory practices within institutions.

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17. Institutional racism is illustrated by

D. well intentioned individuals who do not realize their behaviours are racist.

B. circumstances where individual practices arose from but are no longer sustained by racist ideas.

A. circumstances where individual practices are based on explicitly racist ideas.

C. circumstances where institutions unintentionally restrict the life-chances of certain groups through a variety of seemingly neutral rules, regulations, and... C. circumstances where institutions unintentionally restrict the life-chances of certain groups through a variety of seemingly neutral rules, regulations, and procedures

Institutional racism refers to the ways in which institutional policies and practices create different outcomes for different racial groups. It can occur through seemingly neutral processes that still have discriminatory effects on certain groups.

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