Chapter 5: Identity: Race, Ethnicity, Gender & Sexuality
Discussion Questions
Section 1: pgs. 144-154 Due: Tuesday, Jan. 7
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According to the opening ‘field note,’ how is gender defined?
How has state nationalism become the most powerful foci of identity?
According to your textbook, where have roots of racism been founded?
What is a race?
Historically, how have Americans been classified by race?
What are some ways that the USA has struggled in adequately defining “Hispanic”
when it comes to race?
a. What has the Census Bureau done to remedy the situation?
b. What is the estimated projected % population of Hispanics (White alone,
Hispanic) for 2030? 2050?
c. What is the estimated projected % population of Asians for 2030? 2050?
7. How is residential segregation defined?
8. After research, what were the most racially segregated areas for (include location
& percentage, if any)
a. African-Americans
b. American Indians/Alaska Natives
c. Asians/Pacific Islanders
d. Hispanics
9. In what ways have the Puerto Ricans and Dominicans had an impact on the ethnic
make-up of New York City?
10. Since 1990, which group has experienced the greatest growth in New York City?
Section 2: pgs. 155-158 Due Jan. 13
How do places affect identity, and how can we see identities in places?
1. According to geographer Gillian Rose, the process of infusing a place “with meaning
and feeling” is referred to as what? How is that defined?
2. The word ethnic comes from where?
3. How does geographer Stuart Hall define or explain ethnic/ethnic identity?
4. Provide an example at how the Pakistani’s and Indians of Fairfax, Virginia have put
aside their differences and animosity towards each other.
5. When can the term “ethnic conflict” be evoked/used?
6. According to James Carter, which ethnic group called Mexicali home?
a. Describe how they were able to develop a strong influence in this city.
7. How are Space & Place defined by Massey & Jess?
8. What is meant by places being “gendered?”
9. What is queer theory?
10. According to the map on pg. 158, which 2 boroughs of New York probably has the
highest concentration of same sex households?
Section 3: pgs. 159-170 Due Jan. 15
How does geography reflect and shape power relationships among groups of people?
1. According to the reading, what are 3 things that power relationships can do/affect?
2. The World’s Women Income 2010: Trends and Statistics reports that “women are
predominantly and increasingly employed in the service sector.” If so, what are the
statistics for women in No. Africa, Asia & So. Asia?
3. Based on the field work of geographer Sarah Halvorson, what is the relationship
between family income & the likelihood of contracting a disease?
4. In LDC’s (least developed countries/areas), what are the difficulties/challenges
that most women face?
5. In what ways are males still shown preferential treatment over women in India?
6. According to the map of pgs. 166-167, answer the following?
a. Name any 5 countries that have the highest number of females/women who
hold a position in national legislature
b. Name any 5 countries that have the lowest number of females/women who
hold a position in national legislature
7. Explain why the idea of the “model minority” given to Asians may be seen as a myth?
8. What is barrioization?
9. What kind of impact did the riots associated with the Rodney King trial have on Los
Angeles?
10. What analysis and observations can you provide on the changing ethnic composition
of So, Central LA from 1960-1980. LOOK AT MAP on pg. 169!!!