What Are Race and Ethnicity?
Chapter 3 “Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration” of the book “The Family: Diversity, Inequality, and Social Change” by Philip N. Cohen focuses on providing an understanding of concepts such as race and ethnicity. First, it gives an explanation of what the race represents from a biological point of view. Further, the chapter indicates a study of different races and their representatives in the United States. More detailed attention is paid to the examination of the concepts of ethnicity, racial ethnicity, and endogamy within specific groups. It was interesting that the chapter indicates that white people do not consider themselves to be a certain race while being the largest group in America.
American Stories
In more detail, the “American Stories” section examines various groups of the American population, such as Asians, indigenous peoples, and African Americans. Every section provides valuable information about each group, which contributes to the expansion of knowledge and awareness. The chapter notes the impact that modern culture has on this group and how much influence the processes of assimilation and acculturation have. Of critical importance is the first phenomenon, which implies the fusion of cultures among themselves. That is why it is vital to create actions and policies to preserve the uniqueness of the traditions and customs of other peoples.
With the help of this representation of people of various nations living in the United States, the chapter points to the value of diversity, inclusion, and change in modern society. In addition, the next section in the chapter called “Intermarriage” pays attention to how mixing between groups leads to interethnic connections. Such unification of cultures through marriage becomes a driver for the formation of new traditions, customs, and diversity. Similarly, the family structure and attitude towards the nuclear type of family are changing.
Immigration
Part of the third section on immigration focuses on its level in the modern United States of America. It is noted that the immigration rate is currently the highest in recent decades. More generations whose ancestors came to the United States continue to live and develop their culture in the country. Particular attention is paid to the legislative acts that have been developed by the government of the country to regulate the immigration process and help those who need it. Of particular concern is the number of undocumented immigrants. The government has relatively neutral measures for this problem, where they offer to exclude only those who can harm society.
Thus, an essential component of the policy should be to pay attention to the minority groups, which must adapt to a new country for a long time and to put forces on the preservation of their culture.