Health Problems

Sociological analysis can provide helpful insights into problems of intergroup relations. The functionalist, conflict theorists, and interactionists examine institutional discrimination, why they persist, and the consequences of social interpretations of outgroup members.

Functionalist analysis begins with the premise that, in and ideally structured social system, all the parts interact smoothly. The normative integration, they believe, is the social cement that binds a society. However, they believe that a society can function smoothly in the presence of social inequality. Since the required tasks of a society demands varying levels of talent and expertise, they also yield unequal rewards (income and prestige). Social inequality can thus result from a functional society. They believe that social equilibrium can be upset either by rapid social change or by dysfunctions within certain groups that also affect the larger society. They believe that minority groups retain enough difference to reduce the unity and cohesiveness of the society. Unsuccessful efforts at integration can heighten intergroup tensions and conflict since denying people full opportunities to make full contributions wastes human resources. They stress that the most effective method of resolving these problems is to put the social system back into balance by eliminating discrimination and barriers to full social, political, and economic opportunities.

Conflict theorists claim that economic exploitation is the key cause of inequality. Employers often hire cheaper minority workers at the expense of nonminority wage earners. When the labor market splits this way along ethnic lines, ethnic prejudice, racism, and hostility arise and dominate the labor conflict. They believe that since people work toward their self-interest, they exploit those with little power and create ideology and value system to reinforce their dominance. In general, conflict theorists believe that people tend to become more hostile when their security is threatened. Because of this, they believe that prejudice and discrimination primarily result from economic exploitation.

Interactionists concentrate on daily encounters between members of different groups. When the dominant and minority groups share similar values, appearance, and lifestyle, the interrelationship tends to be harmonious and assimilation occurs. The greater and more visible the cultural differences, however, the greater