Question

A Cuban-American man living in the United States has the dominant physical features of a black man. He speaks Spanish, prefers Latin foods, and listens to Latin music. His preferences are best defined through which of the following attributes? I. Race II. Ethnicity III. Culture (A) I only (B) II only (C) II and III only (D) I, II, and III

Short answer

(D) I, II, and III

Step-by-step solution

Identify Dominant Physical Features

The man has the dominant physical features of a black man, which corresponds to Race (I).

Assess Language Preferences

The man speaks Spanish, which relates to Ethnicity (II) because language is a component of one's ethnic background.

Evaluate Food and Music Preferences

The preferences for Latin foods and Latin music pertain to Culture (III).

Key concepts

Race

Race is a social construct used to categorize humans based on physical characteristics such as skin color, facial features, and hair texture. It’s worth noting that these physical traits are often determined by genetic ancestry.

Race does not say much about a person's culture or identity; rather, it focuses on observable features.

For example, in the given problem, the Cuban-American man's dominant physical features categorize him under a specific race, in this case, 'black.'

Understanding race is key in many behavioral sciences topics as it can often correlate to societal treatment and historical context.

Ethnicity

Ethnicity refers to shared cultural factors such as language, religion, nationality, and customs. It often encompasses shared heritage and commonalities within a group of people.

For instance, in the given problem, the man's ability to speak Spanish is an indicator of his ethnicity. His ethnic background connects him to a particular group, in this case, likely Latin American.

Seriously considering ethnicity in behavioral sciences is crucial. It provides insights into how people identify themselves and connect to their cultural roots, impacting their behavior, perspectives, and interactions.

Culture

Culture encompasses the beliefs, behaviors, objects, and other characteristics common to the members of a particular group or society. It includes language, art, music, food, and social habits.

In the problem provided, the man's preference for Latin foods and music is a clear indicator of his cultural alignment. Culture is deeply rooted and can shape one's daily routines, values, and social behaviors.

Understanding culture in behavioral sciences is essential for grasping how individuals and groups create communities, communicate, and shape collective identities. Cultural knowledge aids in comprehending how people adapt to changes and maintain traditions.