SOC103H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Bogardus Social Distance Scale, Social Inequality, Interculturalism
Document Summary
Race and ethnicity have emerged as important sources of difference in canada; however, as emphasized in this chapter, race and ethnicity are historically specific and socially constructed. Sociologists differ widely in their approach to race and ethnic relations. Functionalists point out that prejudice and discrimination provide benefits for society as a whole, as these feelings maintain social solidarity. Ethnic solidarity is beneficial to ethnic groups as it provides individuals with a sense of connectedness. Critical theorists argue that the dominant group benefits economically from racism: recent immigrants are often streamed into the secondary labour market. Symbolic interactionists note that members of various racial and ethnic groups are often referred to in derogatory ways and that racial socialization and the racialization of reality contribute to racial conflicts. Although canada has long been an immigration country, for much of that time, our immigration policies have been exclusionary. More recently, canada has adopted a policy of multiculturalism.
