yd14 - Lecture 4 Lecture Ethnic Stratification Systems...

Lecture 4
Lecture 4
Ethnic Stratification Systems

Source:
Source:

Marger 2009, pp. 28-38

Recall this diagram?
Recall this diagram?

What is ethnic stratification system?
What is ethnic stratification system?

A system of structured social inequality
◦
One establishes itself as DOMINANT with maximum
power to shape the nature of ethnic relations
◦
Others become SUBORDINATE groups exert less
power corresponding to their place in the hierarchy
 Determined mainly based on the distance from
the dominant group
◦
Physical appearance
◦
Culture
◦
Those most like dominant groups  most highly
ranked
◦
Those most different  ranked low

Usually referred to as majority-minority or
dominant-subordinate systems

Minority Groups
Minority Groups

Differential treatment
◦
minority groups receive fewer of the
society’s rewards
◦
Objects of collective discrimination

Social definition
◦
Any characteristic may serve as the basis
of minority status as long as it is perceived
as significant

Differential power
◦
Lack the power to negate or counteract
differential treatment