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The Sociological Theories Of Racism

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The study of racism has a profound potential to become an ambiguous sociological endeavor. Incidentally, accounting for the multitude of factors which encompass this subject appear to make it the very heart of the matter and consequently the most time consuming. Although, it is my belief that all three of the main sociological theories (Functionalism, Conflict Theory and Symbolic Interactionism) should be integrated in order to achieve a legitimate and quantifiable outcome, for obvious reasons the “Conflict Theory” logically renders the best possible method to obtain a valid micro analysis of specific agents in this case. The oxford dictionary defines racism as being: prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior; a belief that all members of each race possesses characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races. (Oxford Dictionary) …show more content…

Essentially, these forms relate to a struggle for power and resources, one side being the oppressed and the other the oppressor. As racism holds unfounded bias, prejudice and discrimination within its core ideologies, the conflict theory undoubtedly supplies the best approach to obtaining a general conception of the effects racism has on society. Compared to functionalism or symbolic interactionism, the conflict theory addresses the exploitation of groups, ultimately making it the best course of action to begin a rational

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