![]() For example, Vivien Thomas (1910–1985), the Black surgical technician who helped develop the groundbreaking surgical technique that saves the lives of “blue babies” was classified as a janitor for many years, and paid as such, despite the fact that he was conducting complicated surgical experiments. In the late nineteenth century, the rising power of Black Americans after the Civil War resulted in draconian Jim Crow laws that severely limited Black political and social power. history would examine the numerous past and current struggles between the white ruling class and racial and ethnic minorities, noting specific conflicts that have arisen when the dominant group perceived a threat from the people of color. Consider how much money, time, and effort went toward maintaining separate and unequal educational systems prior to the Civil Rights Movement.Ĭonflict theories are often applied to inequalities of gender, social class, education, race, and ethnicity. ![]() On the other hand, Rose (1951) suggested that dysfunctions associated with racism include the failure to take advantage of talent in the subjugated group, and that society must divert from other purposes the time and effort needed to maintain artificially constructed racial boundaries. Consider how a community might increase solidarity by refusing to allow outsiders access. In addition to unfair racial harassment, latent dysfunction would also include a growing distrust in the police and racial minorities feeling unsafe in their own neighborhoods.Īnother way to apply the functionalist perspective to racism is to discuss the way racism can contribute positively to the functioning of society by strengthening bonds between in-groups members through the ostracism of out-group members. However, the policy led to a disproportionate stopping and detention of Black and Latinx men and ultimately deemed as unconstitutional by the courts. For example, New York City's "Stop-and-Frisk" policy was intended to provide police officers with more latitude in questioning and apprehending potential criminals. According to Merton, a dysfunction would be considered a harmful latent outcome of an institutional policy or practice. ![]() For example, while it is not an intended outcome, schools in an urban community may lead to an increase in interracial friendships and relationships, which is a beneficial outcome for the larger community and society. The latent functions of social institutions and their policies are not deliberate or intended but still produce beneficial outcomes. Consider the way slave owners justified slavery in the antebellum South, by suggesting Black people were fundamentally inferior to white and preferred slavery to freedom.Īccording to Robert Merton, the manifest functions of social institutions and their policies are intended to produce beneficial outcomes. Nash (1964) focused his argument on the way racism is functional for the dominant group, for example, suggesting that racism morally justifies a racially unequal society. How can racism and discrimination contribute positively to society? A functionalist might look at “functions” and “dysfunctions” caused by racial inequality. In the view of functionalism, racial and ethnic inequalities must have served an important function in order to exist as long as they have. The way multiple social categories such as race, gender, class, sexuality, intersect to produce unique forms of discrimination and oppression.Ĭentering race in the examination of social phenomena and inequality. The meaning attached to racial an ethnic labels and images. ![]() ![]() One-to-one interactions and communications. The way inequalities contribute to social differences and perpetuates racial and ethnic disparities in power. Practices and policies may lead to dysfunction. The way each part of society functions together to contribute to the whole. Different sociological perspectives enable sociologists to view social issues through a variety of useful lenses. \): Sociological Theories or Perspectives. ![]()
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