Race and Ethnicity Theories

Major Sociological Theories of Race and Ethnicity

There are several sociological theories about why prejudice, discrimination, and racism exist. Current sociological theories focus mainly on explaining the existence of racism, particular institutional racism. The three major sociological perspectives each have their own explanations to the existence of racism.

Functionalist theorists 

These theorists argue that in order for race and ethnic relations to be functional and contribute to the pleasant behaviour and stability of society, racial and ethnic minorities must understand into that society. Incorporation is a process in which a minority becomes engaged into the main society – socially, economically, and culturally.

Symbolic interaction

Symbolic interaction theorists look at two issues in relation to race and ethnicity. First, they look at the role of social interaction and how it reduces racial and ethnic hostility. Second, they look at how race and ethnicity are socially constructed. Symbolic interactionists ask the question, “What happens when two people of different race or ethnicity come in contact with one another and how such interracial can or interethnic contact reduce hostility and conflict?”

Conflict

The basic argument made by conflict theorists is that class-based conflict is a characteristic and original part of society. These theorists also argue that racial and ethnic conflict is tied to class conflict and that in order to reduce racial and ethnic conflict, class conflict must first be reduced.