Week 4: Models of Intergroup Relations

Question 1

Assimilation

Answer 1

• true blend of majority and minority groups’ society and culture

Cultural Assimilation
- shared culture: attitudes, values, lifestyle

Structural Assimilation
- shared structure: institutions, organizations, friendships, marriage

Positive

• solidarity, cooperation, unity
• racial equality (erase diversity, erase prejudice)
• Amalgamation: elimination of racial groups through repeated interracial marriage

Negative

• forced conformity
• loss of freedom of choice
• less diversity, less creativity

Question 2

Pluralism (salad bowl)

Answer 2

• some culture and social structure are shared, others are distinct of each racial/ethnic group

Cultural and Structural Pluralism

Positive

• preserves cultural diversity, creativity, innovation
• greater group awareness, greater political power
• equality possible if resources are equally distributed
• does not force to conform
• more realistic than complete assimilation

Negative

• creates division in society: increases prejudice
• organization based on race favors majority (Marx)

Question 3

Separatism

Answer 3

• separate culture and social structure
• need for territorial separation

Positive

• gives groups control, rather than being controlled
• creates consensus

Negative

• conflict within and between separate societies
• unrealistic in the U.S., territorial distribution

Question 4

Booker T. Washington

Answer 4

• instead of challenging society, Blacks should show their value

Question 5

W.E.B. DuBois

Answer 5

• demands for full inclusion in society, end of racism

Question 6

Marcus Garvey

Answer 6

• strive to set up separate society, Black Nationalism

Question 7

Martin Luther King Jr.

Answer 7

• integration through non-violence resistance

Question 8

Malcolm X

Answer 8

• survival, economic equality, political power

Question 9

G.I. Forum

Answer 9

• fight against discrimination, increasing political participation

Question 10

Cesar Chavez

Answer 10

• unionize agricultural laborers, strikes, boycotts

Question 11

Reies Lopez Tijerina

Answer 11

• restoration of Mexican land

Question 12

American Indian Movement

Answer 12

• occupation of surplus land (e.g., Alcatraz Island)

Question 13

L.A. Riots (1992)

Answer 13

• spark: acquittal of 4 police officers who had been videotaped beating Rodney King, an African American
• underlying issues: high unemployment rates, changing racial/ethnic composition, territorial disputes (Hispanics, AA, Asians)