Some definitions of this subject:

Race: a group of people who are believed to be a biological group sharing genetically transmitted traits, that are defined as important.

An ethnic group: a people who share a common historical and cultural heritage and sense of group identity.

Racism: is the view that certain racial or ethnic groups are biologically inferior and that practices involving their domination and exploitation are therefore justified.

Prejudice: is an irrational attitude toward certain people based solely on their membership in a particular group.

Discrimination: behavior; particularly unequal treatment of people because they are members of a particular group.

Ethnocentrism is the tendency to view one's own group or culture as an in-group that follows the best and the only proper way to live.

In-Group is a group that we feel positively toward and identify with, and that produces a "we" feeling.

For functionalists, ethnocentrism is functional because it produces loyalty, cohesiveness, and strong group ties. All this helps groups stick together and achieve their goals.

It can, however, lead to believe that other groups – especially those that are very different – have unfavorable characteristics.

Prejudice and discrimination arise when groups find themselves in competition with each other. This competition is often economic, for jobs or land, but it can also be based on non economic valued resources, such as access or the right to practice a preferred religion.

Split-Labor market: one in which there are two groups of workers willing to do the same work, but for different wages.

Break up into groups and discuss race and ethnic relations. Then discuss starting on page 195, the different ethnicities.