Discuss the conflict theorist view of racial-ethnic inequality.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary. Conflict theorists see ongoing strife between dominant and minority groups. Dominant groups try to protect their power and privilege, whereas subordinate groups struggle to gain a larger share of societal resources. For most conflict theorists, capitalism creates and sustains racial-ethnic inequality. According to a classic explanation, there is a "split labor market." Jobs in the primary labor market, held primarily by white workers, provide better wages, health and pension benefits, and some measure of job security. In contrast, workers in the secondary labor market (e.g., fast-food employees) are largely minorities and easily replaced. Their wages are low, there are few fringe benefits, and working conditions are generally poor. Such economic stratification pits minorities against each other and low-income whites. Because these groups compete with each other instead of uniting against exploitation, capitalists do not have to worry about increasing wages or providing safer work environments. Social class does not always protect minorities from economic inequality. Because of residential segregation, for instance, middle-income black and Latino households are much more likely than white ones to live in poor neighborhoods, exposing children to weaker schools, more crime, and bad influences. Conflict theories have several drawbacks. First, large majorities of blacks and Latinos say that immigration and income, not race or ethnicity, are the primary sources of social conflict in the United States. Second, discrimination isn't always as conscious and deliberate as some conflict theorists claim. Third, conflict theories are better at explaining racial-ethnic competition than cooperation.