Ethnicity: Weberian

Question 1

Weberian perspective of ethnicity inequalities:

Answer 1

• Acknowledges the differences between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat
• But found that the difference within the working class were significant
• Weber argued that inequality occurred not just because of economic factors but also status and party
• White groups market situation is superior to ethnic minority groups which means they have less life chances.
• Status inequalities mean that the power is held by the majority group which makes it difficult for ethnic minority groups to compete for jobs and housing.
• Weber said that trade unions are dominated by White members which means ethnic minority opinions are not heard.

Question 2

Evaluation of the Weberian theory:

Answer 2

• Useful as it suggests that there are other ways of having power besides economic power
• Critics say that the Weberian theory doesn’t distinguish between the relative importance of different types of inequality

Question 3

Barron and Norris:

Answer 3

• Dual labour market shows how discrimination of ethnic minorities happens in the labour force
• Primary labour market = well-paid, secure jobs with potential promotions
• Secondary labour market = worst jobs, low pay, limited job security with no promotions available

Question 4

Findings of Barron and Norris’ study

Answer 4

• analysed both labour markets and found that - White men dominated the primary market, and ethnic minorities were mainly in the secondary labour market due to their lower cultural status.
• Also employers subscribe to racist beliefs about how ethnic minority people may not be suitable and therefore don’t treat them in the same ways as White people.
• Barron and Norris accept that inequality isn’t just because of economic factors, status groups which are based on ethnicity also show how inequality occurs due to race.
• There is also limited legal policy supporting ethnic minorities.
• This is because trade unions are White dominated and therefore are more interested in protecting them.

Question 5

Evaluation of Barron and Norris:

Answer 5

• Ignores the fact that ethnic minorities can still be in the primary labour market
• Fails to recognise that the situation for ethnic minority women is even worse.

Question 6

Rex and Tomlinson:

Answer 6

• Study of an Area in Birmingham
• Found that material disadvantages were experience by the ethnic minorities so much that there were completely cut off from the White working class.
• Ethnic minorities formed an underclass where they experienced disadvantages through the labour market, housing and education
• These disadvantages occurred because of the hostility from the White society which led to the minorities feeling marginalised and alienated.
• They felt socially excluded from the standards of living that most members of society took for granted
• They concluded that in a capitalist society, the underclass are the biggest victims and this underclass is heavily concentrated with ethnic minorities.

Question 7

Evaluation of Rex and Tomlinson:

Answer 7

• Overemphasised ethnic minorities as victims of racism as ethnic minorities social position is changing (doing better than White children at school)