AFAM 2000H Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Central Force
23 May 2016
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From power and stratification theories to a unified model. Caste system: most rigid of stratification systems. People stay in caste where they are born. African americans are confined to lower socioeconomic positions, denies access to power, prevented from intermarriage, and spatially segregated. Oliver c. cox: marxist twist on caste theories. Capitalist class owners and managers have been key to the castle like subordination of african americans. Slavery in the south was a business- buying and selling cheap labor (slaves) Once capitalists set pattern of using africans it needed to be legitimized. A unified theory of ethnic relations (and a critique of their model) They argue that discrimination is the central force of ethnic relations. The greater the level of discrimination, the more likely a distinctive ethnic identity will develop. Rebellion and revolt, political mobilization, formation of a social movement, and other acts may force dominant ethnic groups to make concessions. Also the existence of egalitarian values may stimulate change. (37-38)
