Discrimination and Racism in America - Essay Example

One of the most popular theoretical explanations of discrimination is social differences existed in society and class struggle theory (antagonism), conflict theory and subcultural theory. The social conflict and class struggle theories states that society is based on social antagonism of two main social groups, men and women, workers and capitalists, blacks and whites (Wang 75). There is a smaller group who own and control the means, now chiefly machines, factories, and offices, that are used in the production of these goods.

Also, disadvantageous groups in society often have an interest in change, and equal rights with minority. One of the most interested theories was proposed by Nathan Glazer (cited Wachtel 56). He argues that it has developed as a nation of minorities, each of which is accepted as a social entity but none of which has been accorded legal status or recognition. The popular picture of the country as composed of a large and monolithic majority, which tolerates some and opposes other minorities is therefore false.

One of the main social condition which supports discrimination is social and class differences resulted in different education opportunities and different professional skills. The extensive number of charges of discrimination that continue to be filed by members of minority groups and women also argues strongly against assertion that affirmative-action programs are being implemented and that there is discrimination in education. The problem is that social location limits education opportunities from school and college years (Wang 30, 143) For this reason, many people belonging to low social classes (a lot of black people and minorities) lack knowledge and skills to enter the University or obtain a high-paid job.

This condition is closely connected with historical development of the nation and high poverty rates among racial minorities and black population (Moses 121). Also, social roles of women as mother and wives limit their professional opportunities and career development. The case of women is different in many factual respects, but the principle is the same. Unfortunately, there is much fictitious "history" used to apply the "minority" concept to women. In the case of women, as in the case of minorities, their achievements were also made to look like the government's gift.

Another social problem is that disadvantaged groups are defined by their color (black) or by their sex (female), although other groups are also shown to be underrepresented on the statistical graphs that correlate population quotas with achievements (Wang 43). Social and regional separation of disadvantageous groups is another social cause of discrimination. Many racial minorities, gay and lesbian people live as a separate community or neighborhood. Racism can be and must be eliminated in American society by changing personal values and national beliefs about minority groups and their social value.

In a democratic society, "some seek to change the laws so that those who have been at a social and economic disadvantage may enjoy an enforceably favored status" (Wachtel 65). The problem is that affirmative action programs worsen the status and image of