Racial Inequality Essay

1069 Words5 Pages
Social-Psychological Perspectives According to the frustration-aggression hypothesis, those who are frustrated in their efforts to achieve a highly desired goal tend to respond with a pattern of aggression toward others. When they are unable to strike out at the source of their anger and hostility, they instead may take out their hostility and aggression on a scapegoat. According to psychologist Theodore W. Adorno, persons with an authoritarian personality (characterized by excessive conformity, submissiveness to authority, intolerance, insecurity, a high level of superstition, and rigid, stereotypic thinking) are most likely to be highly prejudiced. Symbolic Interactionist Perspectives One interactionist approach emphasizes how racial socialization contributes to feelings of solidarity with one’s own racial-ethnic group and hostility toward all others. Racial socialization is a process of social interaction that contains specific messages and practices concerning the nature of one’s racial-ethnic status as it relates to: Personal and group identity Intergroup and interindividual relationships One’s position in the social stratification system Racial socialization is made up of direct statements made by parents, peers, teachers, and others regarding race, but it also includes indirect behaviors, such as modeling, whereby children imitate the words and actions of parents and other caregivers. Racial socialization influences how people view themselves, other people, and the world. Racial socialization also occurs indirectly and directly through media representations (video games, television, movies, music) of various racial and ethnic groups. Although many whites do not support racist beliefs, actions, or policies, they fear breaking bonds with other whites and may simply remain silent in the face of prejudice and discrimination.
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