Final answer:
Ethnic group differences can lead to an unequal distribution of resources and power, with the dominant ethnic group generally having more influence and access to resources than ethnic minorities. Socioeconomic status, participation in political processes, and systemic inequalities are all factors that contribute to this disparity.
Step-by-step explanation:
How ethnic group differences affect who controls resources and power in a society is a complex issue. The correct answer to the provided question is C) Ethnic group differences can lead to unequal distribution of resources and power. In societies, the dominant ethnic group often may not realize the extent of their influence on their political and social environment, while ethnic minorities can be keenly aware of discrimination and may view the government as less favorable or even hostile towards their interests. Moreover, participation in political processes may be biased against ethnic minorities due to factors such as socioeconomic status, resulting in less power and fewer resources. Social structures and systems such as capitalism, colonialism, racism, and sexism can perpetuate these inequalities.
It is not only the size of an ethnic group that affects resource and power control but also how social and political institutions interact with ethnicity and other social characteristics like class and race. Gerrymandering of voting districts, socioeconomic barriers to political participation, and attitudes towards voting all contribute to whether or not a group is effectively able to wield political power. In this context, agency, or the capacity to act and make decisions, is crucial, and this agency is often constrained by ethnic, racial, and class structures.
Race, ethnicity, and minority status are interconnected with the distribution of power and resources, leading to systemic patterns of inequality. Ethnic minorities are often at a disadvantage not only due to population size but also because of structures that prioritize the interests of more powerful ethnic groups, often at the expense of minorities.