what is scientific racism
the use of science (or pseudoscience) to “prove” that some races are naturally better, smarter, more civilized, or more deserving than others
what is monogenism
the idea that all human races share one common origin
what thinkers are associated with monogenism
charles darwin
georges louis leclerc
what is polygenism
the idea that different races have separate origins
which thinkers are associated with polygenism
louis agassiz
samuel morton
what is eugenics
the belief that intelligence, personality, and social traits, are genetically determined and passed through families
what assumption does eugenics rely on
biological determinism
why is eugenics important sociologically
it shows how “science” was used to legitimize racism and inequality
what laws reflect eugenic thinking
sterilization laws
jim crow segregation
racial integrity acts
how does sociology approach race differently from biology
sociology sees race as a social system, not a biological fact
what does sociology say about racial categories
they are historically produced through colonialization, slavery, immigration law
what did kim tallbear critique
genetic ancestry testing and the re-biologization of race
what are the 2 extreme views of race
essence and illusion
what does “essence” perspective argue about race
that race is natural, biological, and permanent
what does the “illusion” perspective argue about race
that race is just a myth / fake idea with no real impact
what is macro level racial formation
large scale political and institutional processes that shape racial meanings and inequality
what are the 6 different macro level racial positions
- far right = open racism
- new right = coded racism
- neoconservative = colour blind state
- neoconservative = race conscious
- liberal = race conscious
- radical democratic = race & equality
what is micro level racial formation
everyday interactions where race shapes perception, assumptions, and behaviour
what are examples of micro level racial processes
microaggressions = asking “where are you really from”
racial profiling = being stopped in a store
everyday colour blind talk = “i don’t see race”
what 4 historical forces shape racial formation across history
- conquest
- religion
- science
- politics
what does conquest mean (in terms of historical forces)
early racial ideas formed through colonization, empire, and territorial expansion
what does religion mean (in terms of historical forces)
before “scientific racism” religion helps define who was considered civilized or inferior
what does science mean (in terms of historical forces)
race became framed as biological through scientific theories
what does politics mean (in terms of historical forces)
modern racial formation happens through laws, policy, and political struggles
