Question
(Short response papers for the article that I gave you). (About two pages each, double spaced) addressing readings assigned. Briefly summarize/discuss the readings and describe your personal reactions/opinions toward the readings and topics. Papers should show evidence that you did all the readings (you should not just write about your own opinion based on your general knowledge of the topic or respond to only one or two specific things that the readings happen to mention). At the same time, good response papers should do more than merely summarize the readings. Paper will be graded based on the following criteria: a) Content: Is the student using and/or referencing material from the readings? b) Reaction: Is the student expressing a thoughtful response/opinion about the reading/topic? c) Organization and writing: Is the paper well-organized and written?
Answer
Name of Student
Name of Professor
English 101 Paper
21 March 2024.
Review of Race and Ethnic Relations: American and Global Perspective
Introduction
The aim of this essay is to review an excerpt from Martin Marger’s book, Race and Ethnic Relations: American and Global Perspective. In this reading, the author targets sociology scholars with insightful information on various aspects of race and ethnicity by expounding on various sociological theories. This review not only provides a summary of the reading but also a response in the form of thoughtful reaction to the information provided.
ORDER NOW
Summary of the Reading
Marger begins by dividing the term ‘race’ into two aspects, biological and social, in order to provide a clear idea of what racism involves and the ideologies behind it. The three ideological frameworks explained in the reading emphasize differences in physical characteristics: the relationship between physical traits and personality and the innateness of differences among humans. The author goes on to highlight the different characteristics of various groups in society and how they are normally used to define race and ethnicity.
Moreover, the issue of ethnic stratification systems is explained in the reading. The two types discussed include majority-minority and dominant-subordinate varieties. To sum up this discussion, Marger identifies prejudice and discrimination as the most vital tools of dominance. In his analysis of prejudice, the author identifies its various characteristics; according to him, prejudice is inflexible, negative, stereotypical, and categorical in nature. The reading also contains crucial information on three types of discrimination: micro, macro and structural. Finally, vivid examples are provided in order to enhance understanding of these concepts. For example, the problem of apartheid that existed in colonial South Africa is classified as a macro form of discrimination.
Response to the Reading
Marger has done an exemplary job of discussing diverse issues relating to race and ethnic relations not just in America, but also globally. Moreover, he has spent a lot of time defining concepts in an educative manner. Furthermore, the author has gone a step further to break down the major concepts into bits that make it easier for readers to understand the relationship between race/ethnicity and social relations. The information provided in this excerpt is very useful in terms of depth of analysis, and, therefore, should be incorporated in sociological theory particularly in relation to the social construction of race and ethnicity.
Lastly, the extensive use of diverse sources greatly enhances the credibility of the reading. These efforts demonstrate the well-thought-out and researched nature of Marger’s arguments. The author’s efforts to address the most recent debate on race and ethnic situations in the world while at the same time making references on historical events make the reading highly informative.
Conclusion
A lot of importance has been attached to the concept of race, such that it is considered a crucial division of humanity. One’s race defines who he/she is and how he/she is treated in society by members of other races. However, its boundaries are arbitrary due to the heterogeneous nature of society. Efforts to address this problem have triggered attempts to identify racial categories perceived as important and to place people in them. However, the only way the misconceptions of race and ethnic stratifications are bound to change positively is by educating people on the social construction of these categories. This knowledge will help people to come up with effective ways of changing perceptions about race and ethnicity.
Works Cited
Marger, Martin. Race and Ethnic Relations: American and Global Perspective. Wadsworth Publishing, 2008. Print.
