Theoretical Paradigms And Ethnic Inequality

Theoretical Paradigms And Ethnic Inequality

 The structural functionalism illustrates that in a designated society, exist a major deal of unanimity about the importance of values and the essentiality of norms. The ethic inequality stems from the notion that some races are less intelligent than others and possess innate flaws that hinder them from attaining a good education and performing optimum to be at the same level as others. The white race believes that they are superior to other races and biological inferiority makes blacks and other ethnic types are incapable of having intelligent quotient that supports them to function as the whites. This low intelligence is considered to be the source of poverty and other related problems.

A society is generally composed of integrated parts where is one component altering; those consequently the other components will be altered in response. Therefore society seeks stability and evades conflict since it is unreasonable and dysfunctional. Structural functionalism considers the society in contexts of structures and their various functions. It also focuses on the aspects that bind a society and how alterations in single component results to changes in other parts. Every structure is connected and relies on other structures which are present in a society.

Ethic inequality results in various races holding positions and functions in the society to bring balance. If all ethnic groups were equal there will be no race that would consider providing resources such as manpower or labour for the superior ones. Therefore the ethic inequality brings a balance where every race has a function according to their hierarchical placement in the global society. The functioning of each ethnic group of contributes to overall stability and maintenance of the entire human system and therefore each social structure possess underlying trend towards equilibrium and related stability. Robert Merton states that manifest functions are considered to be intentional and recognizable. The latent function is unintentional and unrecognizable while dysfunction occurs when the system results in support instability and system disintegration. Society exists for the purpose of achieving particular functions in society and therefore focuses on order and effort to maintain cohesion.

The conflict theory is majorly related to Marx plus Milles and state that in any society there is the presence of clusters of individuals who treasure different beliefs which result in a clash of values and objective. In the world, various ethnic groups have different beliefs regarding religion, politics, business, technology and related aspects. Due to the differences of ethnic groups, there is a conflict that exists and has been evident in various countries which result in conflict referred to as racism. The conflict theory stresses that conflict is considered to be a usual part of life and people have different sentiments.

There have been cases where different ethnic groups have been in a conflict which has led to war and terrorism. The conflict in belief between whites and Arabs has led to terrorism where both societies kill each other based on their beliefs and interests. The conflict theory dwells on items that generate tension and conflict that exist among individuals or groups of individuals. Society is evaluated according to conflicts plus power which one category of individuals will always make effort to exploit others

According to conflict theory, the possessors will always protect and gain their preferences at expense of those who are poor. The conflict theory is non-destructive, disorientation and war. The social mechanism is continuing efforts to forge ahead in a society which is featured by change, restrictions and conflicts. Critics superintend the less challenging and increased order in societal aspects.

Symbolic interactionism is associated with Chicago school, George Mead and Charles Cooley. It is also referred to as social constructionism which is concerned with how individuals generate their social words. The actions of individuals rely on how that vision and analyse reality. People are in constant work to understand their personal behaviour. When people do not generate common interpretations of behaviours similarly the consequences will be conflicting. Symbolic interactionism emphases on the emergence of ideas from social connections and the influences on interactions.  The distinctive feature between animals and man considering the application of symbols.

Cultural differences among different ethnic groups emerge from deficiencies such as neglecting value for hard work, weak family connections and related factors have led to poverty, lack of technological advancements and other challenges that face the minorities.

Conclusion

The paradigm that best relates to ethnic or racial inequality is structural functionalism, this theory focuses on the difference in opportunities and functions of various segments of the human race to function optimally. Some of the structural challenges such as lack of opportunities, discrimination and spheres of life have led to the differences. Problems such as discrimination have led to situations where salaries are issued according to the colour of skin or ethnic orientations.