Sociologists define race as a social construction - categories of people are set apart from others because of socially defined physical characteristics. They have a common origin and shared fate. Sicilians, Venetians, Calabrians Minority group- category of people who are set apart for unequal treatment because of physical or cultural characteristics.
People have positive prejudices about their own group - negative prejudices about other groups.
Racism- beliefs and attitudes that one racial category is inherently superior or inferior to another. The more intense the competition the more negative the prejudice. Legal discrimination- minority group members are denied lawful access to public institutions, jobs, housing and social rewards. Institutional discrimination- unequal treatment of a group that is deeply embedded in social institutions. Criminal justice system- minorities are suspected and arrested for more crimes than whites.