Final answer:
There is no specific term for placing offspring of racially mixed unions in the group of the lower socioeconomic parent, but the concept is related to hypodescent. This practice is diminishing as society moves towards recognizing multiple racial identities, exemplified by changes in the U.S. Census and public figures like Tiger Woods.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for placing the offspring of racially mixed unions in the group of the parent who has the lower socioeconomic status (SES) does not have a specific term but is closely related to the historical concept of hypodescent, also known as the 'one-drop rule.' This concept historically classified individuals with any amount of non-white ancestry into the lower-status minority group. However, it is important to note that contemporary society has been moving away from this classification as individuals with mixed racial heritage are increasingly recognized and celebrate their diverse ethnic identities.
Examples of this progress include well-known figures like Tiger Woods, who embraces his mixed ethnic background, and changes in official documentation like the U.S. Census, which now allows individuals to select multiple races to describe their identity. Despite the advancements, socioeconomic disparities remain, affecting morbidity and mortality, as poorer health outcomes are often associated with lower SES.
Therefore, the concept referred to is rooted in historical practices that are becoming less applicable in modern society where there is a growing appreciation for multicultural identities and where laws and attitudes toward race continue to evolve.