Understanding Race and Ethnic Relations

by Parrillo, Vincent N.

• ISBN13: 9780205530564
• ISBN10: 0205530567
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-01-01
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon

Summary

Provides the reader with a brief introduction to the core theories, concepts and issues concerning race and ethnic relations in the United States. The book discusses the changing face of ethnicity, and dominant-minority relationships.Examines the most current Census Bureau projections to speculate what U.S. race, religion, and ethnicity might be like in the mid-21st century. Coverage of minority groups, as well as racial and ethnic groups in today's American society is provided. Prejudice and discrimination, as well as ethnocentrism, and the dynamics of inter-group relations, are also discussed. "The Dillingham Flaw" and the importance of viewing the foreign-born presence in the U.S. within a larger context - from a sociological perspective - in order to avoid inaccurate historical comparisons, are explained.Anyone interested in an introductory look into the current state of race and ethnic relationships in America.

Table of Contents

The Study of Minorities The Stranger as a Social Phenomenon

Similarity and Attraction

Social Distance

Perceptions

Interactions A Sociological Perspective

Functional Theory

Conflict Theory

Interactionist Theory Minority Groups

Development of a Definition

Minority-Group Characteristics Racial and Ethnic Groups Ethnocentrism

In the United States

In Other Times and Lands

Eurocentrism and Afrocentrism Objectivity The Dillingham Flaw Personal Troubles and Public Issues The Dynamics of Intergroup Relations Retrospect Key Terms Review Questions Suggested Readings Internet Resources

The Role of Culture The Concept of Culture

The Reality Construct Cultural Change

Cultural Diffusion

Subcultures Theories of Minority Integration

Assimilation (Majority-Conformity Theory)

Amalgamation (Melting-Pot Theory)

Accommodation (Pluralistic Theory) Is There a White Culture? Retrospect Key Terms Review Questions Suggested Readings Internet Resources

Ethnic and Racial Stratification Stratification Social Class

Class Consciousness

Ethnicity and Social Class

Blaming the Poor or Society? Intergroup Conflict

Cultural Differentiation

Structural Differentiation Ethnic Stratification

The Power-Differential Theory

The Internal-Colonialism Theory

Origins of Ethnic Stratification Retrospect Key Terms Review Questions Suggested Readings Internet Resources

Prejudice The Psychology of Prejudice

Levels of Prejudice

Self-Justification

Personality

Frustration The Sociology of Prejudice

Socialization

Economic Competition

Social Norms Stereotyping

Ethnophaulisms

Ethnic Humor The Influence of Television

Perpetuation of Stereotypes

Influencing of Attitudes

Ingroup and Outgroup Perceptions The Influence of Advertising and Music

Advertising

Music Can Prejudice Be Reduced?

Interaction

Information Diversity Training Retrospect Key Terms Review Questions Suggested Readings Internet Resources

Discrimination Levels of Discrimination Relationships between Prejudice and Discrimination Social and Institutional Discrimination The Affirmative-Action Controversy

The Concepts of Justice, Liberty, and Equality

Affirmative Action Begins

Court Challenges and Rulings

Has Affirmative Action Worked?

Public Opinion Racial Profiling Retrospect

Key Terms Review Questions Suggested

Readings Internet Resources

Dominant-Minority Relations Minority-Group Responses Ethnic- and Racial-Group Identity

Avoidance

Deviance

Defiance

Acceptance Consequences of Minority-Group Status

Negative Self-Image

The Vicious Circle

Marginality

Middleman Minorities Dominant-Group Responses

Legislative Controls

Segregation

Expulsion

Xenophobia

Annihilation

Hate Groups

Hate Crimes Exploitation Retrospect

Key Terms Review Questions

Suggested Readings

Internet Resources Chap

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