- The author of your textbook, Vincent Parrillo, points to the American Dream in the first paragraph of the first chapter. How does he define the American Dream? According to the paragraph, do all immigrant and racial groups have the same opportunity for the realization of the American Dream? Why do you think this is the case? Answer these questions in two paragraphs.
- Who is the “stranger,” referred to in your chapter?
a. The author mentions, Georg Simmel, on page 6. How does Simmel conceptualize the stranger? Do you agree or disagree with his concept? Explain in three sentences.
- One definition of a “minority” is: the underprivileged group in a society’s group relations (in the social hierarchy). Explain this definition in your own words. Who might be a “minority” in American society?
- What are the similarities between racism, ethnocentrism, Eurocentrism and Afrocentrism?
- List two examples, stated in the text, that illustrate the connection between the personal and political.
- The author argued for a sociohistorical understanding of racial and ethnic groups. Explain what you think he means by this.
7.Read the section entitled “Conflict Theory” in the first chapter of your text. How do conflict theorists conceptualize intergroup relations based on race and ethnicity?
- From your experience, what is the dominant racial group in the United States? What groups might be the oppressed groups in the US, from your experience? From your perspective, why do you think these unequal intergroup relationships exist?
- Use the internet and research the following: split labor market theory and reserve labor force. Summarize your findings in two paragraphs (in total).
