Sociology of Racial and Cultural Groups Essay - 1813 Words

We live in a culturally diverse society where there are many differences among various racial and ethnic groups. When these different groups come into contact with one another they interact in many different ways. Prejudice and discrimination are key factors in understanding intergroup relationships. Competition, religious ideas, fear of strangers and nationalism are elements that contribute to prejudice. Many expressions of negative prejudicial attitudes, stereotyping and discriminatory behavior can have negative impact on the social relationships between dominant and minority groups. Many prejudices are passed along from child to parent and the influence of television and movies perpetuate demeaning portrayals about specific groups.†¦show more content†¦Robert Merton Mertons model of Relationships between Prejudice and Discrimination demonstrates that prejudice can exist without discrimination, and discrimination can occur without prejudice. He also points out that soci al-situation variables often determine whether discriminatory behavior occurs. Our attitudes and our observable behaviors are closely related but not the same. At times we are able conceal our unsympathetic feelings toward certain groups without revealing our true feeling and attitudes. Conversely, our overt behavior may conceal our real attitudes. ({Parrillo 98) Discrimination is not always the simple acting out of prejudice and is it sometimes the result of self-interest, a decision that protects the interests of the majority group. For example, legally restricting immigration for economic reasons. It also could be the result of social conformity (giving in to outside pressure despite personal values and views), and sanctioning of behavior (justifying behavior by giving valid reasons). (Parrillo 98) Sanidhu and Brown indicate that the social identity theory proposes that prejudice and discrimination are related to a groups self esteem needs and therefore ethnocentrism plays a dominant role in promoting ingroup favoritism and outgroup hostilities. They further state that all oppressive political practices play and integral part in developing and continuing prejudice (For example, Jim Crow legislation. (SandhuShow MoreRelated Sociology of Racial and Cultural Groups Essay1431 Words   |  6 Pagesnaturally for any problems that may arise. (Zgourides 12). It also fails to take into consideration differences in power among and between groups. Conflict Theory was influenced by Karl Marxs socioeconomic view of the elite exploiting the masses. (Parillo 12). The conflict perspective focuses on the inequalities that create racial and ethnic tensions between groups. In contrast to the fundamentalists emphasis on stability, conflict theorists maintain, Racism has much to do with maintaining powerRead MoreReading Of Roderick A. Ferguson s Aberrations Of Black : Towards A Queer Of Color1203 Words   |  5 PagesBy challenging some of the main complacent thinking that characterized canonical sociology, Ferguson pushes for an engagement with racial knowledge about African American culture as it was produced by American sociology if one is to fully understand the gender and sexual variations within the African American culture. 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These two types of behaviors are related to two important concepts known as ethnocentrism and cultural relativity. Ethnocentrism is â€Å"the attitude of prejudice or mistrust towards outsiders that may exist within a group (in-group) in relation to other (out-group)†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. (Harper-Collin Dictionary of Sociology). Importantly, there are also three levels of ethnocentrism: a positive one, a negative one, andRead MoreSociology Of Our Times By Diana Kendall And The Meaning Of Sociology By Charon And Vigilant1053 Words   |  5 PagesIn both of our textbooks Sociology in Our Times by Diana Kendall and The Meaning of Sociology by Charon and Vigilant, I really focused on the chapter about race and ethnicity. The readings had two sections related to the same discussion, one about race, wealth and ethnicity and another about how children who are born immigrants having to learn how to adapt to their â€Å"normal† identity in society. Other topics of prejudice, discrimination, and sociological perspectives were interesting and helped gainRead MoreRacial Discrimination And Discrimination899 Words   |  4 Pagesaccording to the Sociology – A Brief Introduction by â€Å"the denial of opportunities and equal rights to individuals and groups based on some type of arbitrary bias† (Schaefer, 196). Prejudice is â€Å"the negative attitude toward an entire category of people, often an ethnic or a racial minority† (Schaefer, 195). Branching out from the topics of discrimination and prejudice, the following terms are the main key aspect that I am going to discuss in my advertisement analysis. The sociology of racism is â€Å"theRead MorePolice Violence Is More Than Violent Policing1369 Words   |  6 Pagescorrelation between neighborhood characteristics and crime prevalence. It found that disadvantaged areas attract more criminal activities than areas with high quality of services. As well it stated that impoverished neighborhoods are dominated by ethnic and racial minorities. In overall, this article is relevant for psychology. Chaney, C., Robertson, R. V. (2013). Racism and police brutality in America. Journal of African American Studies, 17(4), 480-505. doi:10.1007/s12111-013-9246-5 Read MoreRacial and Ethnic Inequality696 Words   |  3 PagesMashell Chapeyama Business Administration Sociology Key words Racial inequality, ethnic inequality, geographic location, discrimination, cultural orientation Causes of racial and ethnic inequality This discussion looks at the causes of racial and ethnic inequalities in the world. There are a number of causes of inequalities. Some causes are geographical location and discrimination. However inequality is on the decline on a global scale. Racial and ethnic inequality is found in many countries