AAST 200 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Ernest Burgess, Gentrification, Scientific Racism

• School: University of Maryland
• Department: Asian American Studies
• Course: AAST 200
• Professor: Janelle Wong

Document Summary

Web dubois argues against assimilation: pushes for substantive retention of racial difference beyond physical differences. Booker t. washington framing of assimilation as a solution: btw = be the whites. Richard alba & victor nee tried to reformulate idea of assimilation: limited as universal outcome but is still single best theoretical framework to understand/describe it, natural integration into mainstream experience shared by many. Natural spontaneous, unintentional, with no state interference. Scholars argue state has universal but benign presence in assimilation: however: state-imposed norms aim to get rid of minority culture. Hegemonic governmentality domination/subordination of some classes take place on many levels. Bureaucratic forms of recognition and identification enforce direction of group conduct. Neoliberal conditions state maintains fluid and pervasive presence: however: government programs structured to promote assimilation. Value of assimilation is a distant goal, not a reality: contention with intentions, not definition, critical perspective (includes feminist/queer/ethnic/postcolonial/etc. studies) see assimilation as a normative tool.