Implications Of Using Race To Define And Study Groups

Continuing our discussion regarding cultural diversity, students were asked to discuss the primary problems with the concept of race. Additionally, what are the social and political implications of using race to define and study groups of people? McNamara and Burns (2009) defined race as a “social phenomenon in which biological differences become markers of status within a social system” (p.6). We are essentially viewing a person for their differences that separates us from one another which in turn creates a stereotype. This type of thinking leads one to promulgate the cycle of racism by differentiating one person from another. One of the primary problems with the concept of race is that it continues to promote separatism amongst the people (Ernst, 2009). Utilizing race as a social construct, society continues to establish a hierarchical network that promotes status, power and fear within a group through the means of collective agreement and acceptance. The creation of stereotypes ascertain a set of beliefs, values and attitudes to a particular group, thus making them different from the dominant group.

A homogeneous society is one where the people tend to share amongst each other promoting a sense of conformity. The United States is a heterogeneous society which has “a wide range of people from various backgrounds and experiences” (McNamara & Burns, 2009, p.5). Having such a diverse society tends to divide the people rather than promote building and strengthening relationships within the group. The division amongst the people creates the understanding that some members of a particular group are going to have more advantages over others, whether that is through social, political or economic