POLITICAL SCIENCE 334:
THE POLITICS OF RACE, ETHNICITY AND INEQUALITY

Gary Klass
gmklass@ilstu.edu

POS334 Exam questions

Spring, 2011

Exam Questions

Instructions
Question 1
 Question 2.

Question 1.

Many of the authors we have discussed this semester approach issues of racial and ethnic inequality from the perspective of one of two general paradigms.

Paradigm one holds that the racism, social prejudice, discrimination and intolerance of groups differences are the primary factors that account for the disadvantaged status of minority groups (and the privileged status of those who enjoy favored status) in our society. 

Paradigm two generally holds that group success and failure are primarily a function of internal conditions, events, values and behaviors of the groups themselves.

Drawing on the works of many of the authors, summarize the strongest case for each of these positions and do one of the following:

a) Evaluate which of the two positions makes the better argument, or
b) Present and defend a third alternative to both of the positions.

Things to consider:

• Part of each of these paradigms is an explanation of how a widespread belief in the other paradigm serves to make things worse.
• Each of these understandings of the causes of inequality recommends different political strategies and policy agendas for addressing the underlying problems.
• The nature of racism: who benefits, how it operates, how much of an effect does it have.
• Whether American institutions, policies and the rule of law operate to serve the interests of those with power or to protect the interest of those who do not.
• The extent to which groups share the same interests and values vs. the extent to which the groups have conflicting values and interests.
• The choice between resisting victimization vs. embracing victimhood.
• Some of our authors embrace middle-of-the-road positions on these issues, accepting aspects of both.---

 Question 2.

 Over time, relations between majority and minority groups are shaped by different and changing attitudes toward values reflecting integration and common interests on one hand and cultural identity, separate group interests, group solidarity and diversity on the other.  At times, expressions of minority ethnic and racial group interests reflect a struggle to achieve integrationist goals and common interest and values.  Martin Luther King's "My Dream is the American Dream" expressed such an integrationist agenda. 

 Several of the authors we have read and read about this semester reject the integrationist approach on grounds that the American Dream is a "myth"`,  because there can be no empathy among the races,  because  the intolerance and  hostility against particular minority groups among majority group members precludes integration, because assimilation undermines authentic cultural values and traditions,  and for many other reasons.  Others suggest we can, should or will get beyond racial and ethnic differences and embrace common interests and values.  Some argue for this integrationist approach as being in the best interests of society as a whole (often because they fear the "balkanization" of society) , others argue for it as being in the best interests of the members of particular racial and ethnic groups.

Considering the views, arguments, evidence and logic of the authors (and, perhaps, your fellow classmates) on the several sides of this debate, which strategy offers the best hope for addressing the conditions of racial and ethnic inequality in America?

Instructions:  The essay should be the equivalent of about 3 single spaced pages