Essay Questions

Question

1. Describe the root element of prejudice and the two possible kinds of prejudice.
[Model Answer] Prejudice is rooted in stereotypes, which are a way to categorize people into a social group and then evaluate them based on information you have related to this group. Prejudice can be benevolent or hostile. Benevolent prejudice occurs when people think of a particular group as inferior but also friendly and competent. Hostile prejudice happens when people have negative attitudes toward a group of individuals who they see as unfriendly and incompetent. The answer can be found on pages 98 - 99.

Question

2. Describe the nature of individualistic cultures and collectivistic cultures, as well as the differences between them, and give at least one example of each.
[Model Answer] In individualistic cultures, people tend to value independence and personal achievement; in collectivist cultures, people emphasize group identity, interpersonal harmony, and the well-being of ingroups. Citizens in individualistic cultures express personal viewpoints even if they are controversial, whereas citizens in collectivistic cultures conform to societal norms. Examples of individualistic cultures include Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United States. Examples of collectivistic cultures include Guatemala, Japan, Pakistan, and Taiwan. The answer can be found on pages 100 - 101.

Question

3. Describe co-cultures and give examples of ways in which members of co-cultures might deny their identities in order to interact with members of the culturally dominant group.
[Model Answer] Co-cultures are groups formed by members of a society who don’t conform to the dominant culture, by way of language, values, lifestyle, or even personal appearance. Although the goal of co-cultures is co-existence with the dominant culture, members of co-cultures sometimes deny their identities in order to interact with members of the culturally dominant group. Means for achieving this assimilation might include: (1) using overly polite language; (2) suppressing reactions to offensive comments; (3) striving to excel in all aspects of their personal and professional lives: (4) conforming to negative stereotypes in an exaggerated way so as to achieve shock value; (5) acting, looking, and talking as much like members of the dominant group as possible; (6) openly disparaging their own co-culture; and (7) quietly but clearly expressing their co-cultural identity through appearance, actions, and words. The answer can be found on pages 97 - 98.