Chapter 14 Discussion & Essay Topics

What Can Anthropology Tell Us about Social Groups and Inequality?
  1. Discuss, with the use of one example, how and why those in authority often use naturalizing discourses when discussing race, class, caste, or ethnicity.
  1. Is the concept of stratification inevitable? Using one example/case study, explain how and why a particular form of stratification occurs.
  1. How are concepts of ethnicity and race often interrelated?
  1. What is ethnic cleansing and how do those in authority justify it? Discuss with reference to one example.
  1. What is colourism and how does it compare to racism in Canada?
  1. What are naturalizing discourses? Give an example of one.
  1. What role would strategic essentialism have in subverting marginalized groups’ ability to assert their collective power?
Back to top