Question 1

Sociologists have identified a number of factors that determine racial and ethnic inequality. Some of these factors have been shown to be more important than others. Which of the following lists correctly orders the factors in order of importance from least important to most important?

Accepted Answer

Sociological research and consensus generally prioritize social structures and cultural factors over biological explanations when analyzing racial and ethnic inequality. Biology is considered the least significant factor, as the concept of race is socially constructed rather than based on significant biological differences.

Question 2

Which of the following phrases did John Porter, one of the founders of Canadian sociology, use to describe Canada's ethnically and racially stratified society?

Accepted Answer

John Porter coined the term "vertical mosaic" to describe Canada's socially, ethnically, and racially stratified society. The term reflects the idea that Canadian society is made up of distinct layers, with each group having different levels of power, privilege, and access to resources. This term became a widely accepted concept in Canadian sociology, and it continues to influence the study of social stratification in the country.

Question 3

Which of the following is the main difference between race and ethnicity?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between race and ethnicity is that the former is based on biological characteristics such as skin color, facial features, and genetic heritage, while the latter is based on cultural, social, and linguistic factors such as nationality, ancestry, and religion. Race is typically seen as a fixed and innate trait, while ethnicity is more fluid and subjective, depending on how individuals perceive themselves and how others perceive them.

Question 4

Which of the following does the textbook define as a disadvantaged person or category of people that others blame for their own problems?

Accepted Answer

The textbook defines a scapegoat as a disadvantaged person or category of people that others blame for their own problems. A visible minority refers to a group whose members are visually distinguishable from the majority population, an intruder refers to someone who is not wanted or welcome in a particular space, and an outsider refers to someone who is not part of a particular group or community.

Question 5

Which of the following theoretical approaches to race and ethnicity in Canada argues that Canadian society has low mobility due to a value system that encourages the retention of ethnic culture?

Accepted Answer

The vertical mosaic theory argues that Canadian society is divided into distinct, hierarchical layers based on ethnicity, with low mobility due to a value system that encourages the retention of ethnic culture. This theory was developed by sociologist John Porter in the mid-20th century and has been widely debated and critiqued since then. A, B, and D are not relevant to this theory.

Question 6

What accounts for the success of immigrant Jews and Koreans in Canada?

Accepted Answer

The success of immigrant Jews and Koreans in Canada can largely be attributed to their high levels of literacy, skill, and urban backgrounds. Both of these groups placed a strong emphasis on education and had the resources and support systems necessary to succeed in Canada's urban centers. This enabled them to take advantage of the economic opportunities available to them and establish themselves in various professions and industries. Additionally, the strong communities that they formed also played a role in their success, providing them with social and economic support that helped them to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Question 7

Most sociologists stress which of the following as a determinant of the economic success or lack of success of ethnic and racial groups?

Accepted Answer

Most sociologists argue that social structural conditions, such as access to education, employment opportunities, and resources, play a major role in determining the economic success or lack of success of ethnic and racial groups. While culture and subcultural attitudes may have some influence, they are generally seen as secondary factors. Race may also play a role, but it is typically viewed as a socially constructed category rather than a biological determinant of economic outcomes.

Question 8

What term is used for a socially defined category of people with physical markers perceived as socially significant?

Accepted Answer

The term used for a socially defined category of people with physical markers perceived as socially significant is race. Discrimination, stereotypes, and prejudice are related concepts, but they do not specifically refer to this aspect of social identity.

Question 9

When we compare the incomes of white Canadians with the Canadian-born children of non-white immigrants, what do we see?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When we compare the incomes of white...

Question 10

The Mi'kmaq, the Coast Salish, and the Mohawk are all examples of which of the following in Canada?

Accepted Answer

These are all specific Indigenous peoples/nations in Canada and are therefore considered ethnic groups.

Question 11

What can be learned through John Lie's story of his changing ethnic identity and the experiences that emerged as a result?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What can be learned through John Lie's...

Question 12

Race is to biology as ethnicity is to ___________.

Accepted Answer

Race is a biological concept, while ethnicity is a social and cultural concept. Ethnicity refers to a group of people who share a common cultural identity, which can include language, religion, traditions, and customs. Therefore, the best answer is C, culture.

Question 13

Around the early 1900s, Sicilians living in Canada started thinking of themselves as Italian Canadians rather than as people from a particular town or area in Italy. What was the reason for this shift in thinking and self-identification?

Accepted Answer

Other Canadians defined them as Italian rather than as people from specific towns or regions in Italy, which likely led to the shift in thinking and self-identification. This could be due to the fact that other Canadians were not familiar with the distinctions between different regions in Italy and simply saw them as a homogenous group.

Question 14

What is the broad notion contained in the quote by French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, "the anti-Semite creates the Jew"?

Accepted Answer

The quote suggests that the existence of the "Jew" as a specific identity is shaped by the actions and perceptions of those who identify as anti-Semitic. This reflects the broader notion that people's specific ethnic and cultural identities are shaped, in part, by the ways in which they are perceived and treated by others within society.

Question 15

What sort of group is composed of people whose perceived cultural markers are deemed socially significant?

Accepted Answer

An ethnic group is composed of people whose perceived cultural markers are deemed socially significant. This includes factors such as language, religion, customs, and traditions. Examples of ethnic groups include Hispanic Americans, African Americans, and Native Americans.

Question 16

Alisha is studying the process of identity formation among second-generation "immigrants" and is trying to determine which theory will allow her to analyze how people negotiate identity. Which sociological theory would work best for her analysis?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism focuses on the ways in which individuals interact with each other and how these interactions shape their identities. This theory examines the role of symbols and language in the construction of identity and emphasizes the importance of ongoing negotiation and interpretation of meaning. Therefore, this theory would be best suited for Alisha's analysis of identity formation among second-generation immigrants.

Question 17

According to research, what really matters in determining the economic success of an ethnic or racial group?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that social structural advantages, such as access to education, capital, and networks, play a significant role in determining the economic success of an ethnic or racial group. While cultural values and a strong work ethic may also contribute, these factors alone are not enough to overcome structural barriers and inequalities. Additionally, social solidarity created by community coalitions can help to address these barriers, but it is not the primary determining factor in economic success.

Question 18

Mouna has recently immigrated to Canada from Turkey. She graduated from medical school and worked as a doctor for three years before emigrating, yet she has not been able to find work in Canada as a doctor. What is the likeliest reason for this?

Accepted Answer

The likeliest reason for Mouna not being able to find work as a doctor in Canada is that Canadian mechanisms for recognizing accreditation of foreign credentials are poorly developed. This is a common issue faced by immigrants in various professions, including medicine, as regulatory bodies in Canada often require foreign-trained professionals to undergo additional training or education to meet Canadian standards.

Question 19

"Jewish and Korean immigrants were successful because they were hardworking and educated, while West Indians were less successful economically because they lacked these values." What does this opinion overlook?

Accepted Answer

The opinion overlooks the social structural differences in opportunity that may have affected the economic success of these different immigrant groups. Factors such as access to education and job opportunities, discrimination and prejudice, and historical patterns of immigration and settlement can all play a role in shaping the economic outcomes of immigrant groups. The opinion also overlooks the cultural diversity within each group and the ways in which culture can change and adapt over time in response to new environments and circumstances. Additionally, the opinion assumes that success is solely determined by hard work and education, without considering other factors such as inheritance, luck, and social networks.

Question 20

Why did John Porter and other sociologists modify their views on the vertical mosaic by the 1970s?

Accepted Answer

By the 1970s, economic differences among ethnic groups in Canada had diminished, leading sociologists like John Porter to modify their views on the vertical mosaic, which originally highlighted the persistent ethnic stratification in Canadian society.

Quiz 7: Race and Ethnicity