Functionalist Theory Of Ethnic Inequality

Question 1

What are the four explanations of ethnic inequality?

Answer 1

1. Ethnic inequalities are temporary and the result of minorities failing to assimilate
2. Successful assimilation has resulted in excellent outcomes for minorities in the US
3. Ethnic inequalities are the byproduct of cultural factors
4. It is normal for ethnic minorities to be at the bottom of the economic ladder

Question 2

Who said ethnic inequalities are temporary and the result of minorities failing to assimilate?

Answer 2

• Patterson

Question 3

What did Patterson say?

Answer 3

• three causes of ethnic inequalities: host culture’s fear of cultural difference of the immigrant strangers and social change they would bring to society, host culture’s resentment of having to compete with immigrants for scarce resources such as jobs and housing, failure of immigrants to assimilate

Question 4

Who said successful assimilation has resulted in excellent outcomes for minorities in the US?

Answer 4

• Parsons and Clark

Question 5

What did Parsons and Clark say?

Answer 5

• predicted assimilation in America between black and white people and argued over time the stigma surrounding skin colour would disappear as people integrate more and black people would be successful
• Beyoncé as an example of a successful African American

Question 6

Who said ethnic inequalities are the byproduct of cultural factors?

Answer 6

• Roberts

Question 7

What did Roberts say?

Answer 7

• found Asian groups more likely to be self employed or small business owners due to strong entrepreneurial traditions within Asian cultures
• East African Sikhs were often described as having a strong spirit of enterprise and strong supportive family networks which favoured academic success
• experiences of colonialism and slavery on the Afro Caribbean community meant they would fall into worse outcomes due to these historical factors
• so ethnic inequalities not due to fundamental issues in society but ingrained issues within certain communities cultures

Question 8

Who said it is normal for ethnic minorities to be at the bottom of the economic ladder?

Answer 8

• Rastogi

Question 9

What did Rastogi say?

Answer 9

• ethnic minorities lower position in society is not due to racism or structural discrimination but lack of skills and values they can provide to the most highly rewarded sectors in society