Social Construction of Race
Society perceives and regards those differences identified in people as necessary. Similar characteristics that unify the people are ignored and not looked upon. As a result, racial formation manifests through the process of social-historical injustice. In addition, racial groups are inhabited and transformed by people. The race is defined as the recognition of people based on their color. Ethnicity is regarded when a particular group of people is distinguished from the rest due to differences in origin, culture, and customs.
The relation of Sociological Perspectives to Race and Ethnicity
In regards to the functionalist perspective, ethnicity and race are viewed as components of a cohesive society. In a society where discrimination is practiced, resources tend not to be used by the oppressed individuals. Adverse judgment of racism among people prevents the exhibition of diplomacy and goodwill portrayed by societies’ relations. A society where racism is practiced predisposes the minorities to low-wages jobs while the dominant group enjoys prestigious and well-paid occupations. Police and government officials practice injustice based on ethnicity, race, and origin instead of looking into someone’s behavior.
Application of Prejudice and Discrimination concepts
Prejudice leads to the adoption of a debilitating attitude to a group of people. Therefore, ethnocentrism sets in allowing people judge how lifestyle and culture of one person are superior over the other. Individual differences of a given group are not a priority; instead, unrealistic comparisons of all members based on color become a priority. A society that practices discrimination leads to the loss of job opportunities since there is vice where people have a variation of rights, meaning a group of people is favored. Discrimination and prejudice are practices that lower the dignity of a society leading to underdevelopment and ineffective use of resources.