Final answer:
Ethnicity, as proposed by Wildes & Forbush (2013), is a social construct that describes shared cultural and national origins, and it plays a significant role in affecting an individual's identity, political views, and sociocultural experiences, particularly through the lenses of majority and minority statuses within a society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Ethnicity
According to Wildes & Forbush (2013), ethnicity is a multifaceted concept that encompasses aspects of shared culture and national origin. Ethnic groups can have different dynamics depending on whether they are a majority or a minority within a society. A dominant ethnic group often perceives political and governmental structures as favorable toward their interests, sometimes assuming what benefits them benefits all. This may lead to a naïve perspective on the complexities of governance and societal needs. Conversely, a minority group, which is defined by a relative lack of power, may be more attuned to discrimination and have a more critical view of governmental institutions.
Geography, religion, language, and appearance all contribute to shaping a person's ethnic identity. Minority groups are a key term that describes groups within a power differential context, and not just racial or cultural differences. Additionally, ethnicity is intricately linked with identity within social constructions, and it has a substantial influence on cultural practices, such as politics and religion.
Social constructs, like ethnicity, create a set of categories that affect our social structure and the distribution of advantages and disadvantages. This categorization is essential in understanding how race and ethnicity operate as symbols in our identity formation processes. These social constructs are perceived as real because they impact our thoughts, actions, and societal organization.