Sociology -- Chapter Seven

Prejudice refers to a negative attitude that individuals hold towards others solely based on their membership in a specific group. It involves preconceived notions, stereotypes, and biases that can lead to unfair treatment and judgment. Prejudice can be directed towards various groups such as racial or ethnic minorities, religious groups, or individuals with different sexual orientations. It is important to recognize and challenge prejudice in order to promote equality and inclusivity in society.

The conflict perspective characterizes the mass media as "contested territory" that groups compete over. This perspective suggests that different groups in society have conflicting interests and vie for control over the media to promote their own agendas and ideologies. It views the media as a tool for power struggles and social inequality, where dominant groups use it to maintain their control and marginalize other groups. This perspective emphasizes the role of media in perpetuating social divisions and reinforcing existing power structures.

Institutionalized discrimination refers to the systematic and pervasive discrimination that is embedded within the policies, practices, and structures of an organization or society. In this case, the fact that women are being excluded from employment in the fire department based on a physical requirement that disproportionately affects them is an example of institutionalized discrimination. The requirement of having sufficient upper-body strength may create a barrier for women to enter the profession, leading to their exclusion and perpetuating gender inequality within the fire department.

Ethnocentrism refers to the tendency of individuals to view their own group or culture as superior to others, believing that their way of life is the best and only proper way to live. It involves judging other cultures based on the standards and values of one's own culture. Ethnocentrism can lead to prejudice and discrimination against individuals or groups who are perceived as different or inferior. It can also hinder cultural understanding and appreciation of diversity.

Jewish Americans would most clearly be classified as an ethnic group. This is because being Jewish is primarily associated with a shared cultural heritage, including traditions, customs, and language, rather than a distinct race or authoritarian affiliation. While Jewish people can come from various racial backgrounds, their identification as Jewish is primarily based on their shared ethnicity and cultural practices. Therefore, the most appropriate classification for Jewish Americans would be an ethnic group.

Ascribed statuses refer to characteristics that are assigned to individuals at birth or based on factors beyond their control, such as race and ethnicity. These statuses are not achieved through personal effort or merit, but rather determined by societal norms and expectations. Therefore, ascribed statuses are the most fitting term to describe characteristics like race and ethnicity.

The correct answer is population transfer. This refers to the forced movement of a particular group of people from one place to another by a more dominant group. In this case, the Serbs forced Muslims to leave certain territories in the former Yugoslavia, which is an example of population transfer. This action was aimed at changing the demographic composition of the region and exerting control over the territory.

Minority groups with little power are likely to respond to domination with submission. This is because they may feel powerless and unable to challenge the dominant group. Submission involves accepting and complying with the dominant group's control and authority. It is a passive response that may be driven by fear, lack of resources, or a belief that resistance would be futile.

The correct answer is both B and C. The text discusses socialization and conformity as well as ethnocentrism as social sources of prejudice and discrimination. Socialization and conformity refer to the process by which individuals learn and internalize societal norms and values, including biased attitudes and discriminatory behaviors. Ethnocentrism, on the other hand, is the belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic or cultural group, which can lead to prejudice and discrimination against other groups.

The correct answer is "Anglo conformity." This term refers to the process by which immigrants assimilate into American society by adopting the dominant Anglo-American culture, language, and customs. It suggests that immigrants are expected to conform to the norms and values of the majority culture. This concept recognizes the historical trend of immigrants in the United States to adapt and integrate into the dominant Anglo-American society while maintaining some aspects of their own cultural heritage.