Ethnicity Flashcards
P1: What is the main point about ethnic inequality in the labour market?
Weberian Explanation (Dual Labour Market Theory):
Ethnic minorities are disproportionately confined to the secondary labour market, which consists of low-paid, insecure, and temporary jobs, as explained by Barron and Norris (1979).
How does Dual Labour Market Theory explain ethnic inequality?
Primary sector: High-paid, stable jobs (dominated by the majority population).
Secondary sector: Low-paid, insecure jobs (dominated by ethnic minorities).
Ethnic minorities face barriers such as weaker social networks and discrimination in recruitment, limiting their access to primary sector jobs.
How does the ‘glass ceiling’ affect ethnic minorities in professional careers?
Even when ethnic minorities enter professional careers, they often face a ‘glass ceiling’ that prevents them from progressing at the same rate as their White colleagues.
What are some examples of ethnic inequality in employment?
Unemployment Rates: Black people in the UK have consistently higher unemployment rates than White workers, even with equal qualifications.
How does Dual Labour Market Theory reinforce ethnic inequality?
Structural barriers in employment make it difficult for ethnic minorities to escape low-income brackets and achieve financial stability.
Is Dual Labour Market Theory still relevant today?
Progress for some groups: Indians and Chinese have made significant progress in the labour market (Owen & Green, 1992).
What is the main Marxist point about ethnic inequality?
Marxists argue that capitalism uses racism as an ideological weapon to divide the working class and maintain economic inequalities.
How does racism benefit capitalism, according to Marxists?
Racism justifies the economic marginalisation of ethnic minorities by blaming them for social issues like housing shortages, crime, and unemployment.
It keeps wages low and prevents workers from uniting to demand better conditions.
What is an example of institutional racism affecting ethnic minorities?
Windrush Scandal (2018): The UK government wrongly deported thousands of Black British citizens, reinforcing institutional racism and economic exclusion.
How does racism maintain economic inequality, according to Marxists?
Racism is not just an individual bias but a systemic tool used by capitalism to exploit ethnic minorities and divide the working class.
It ensures that ethnic minorities remain in low-paid, insecure jobs, benefiting the capitalist class.
Is the Marxist explanation of racism sufficient to explain ethnic inequality?
Postmodernist critique: Identity is fluid, and some ethnic minorities achieve social mobility through education and entrepreneurship, challenging the idea that they are ‘trapped’ by capitalism.
