Race and ethnicity - Research Paper Example

Race and Ethni Introduction Race and ethni in the American society play a significant role in analyzingthe national demography, politics, economic status, and social interaction. The importance of this sociological concept makes it an ideal niche to explore, for this reason. Therefore, this essay analyzes three different sources to provide a deeper understanding of the notion. In identifying the sources, I used a search criterion that aided in accessing references that provide the sociological conceptualization of the subject and offer an explicit understanding of race and ethnicity in the society.

Understanding Race and EthnicityIn chapter eleven of the book Introduction to Sociology – 1st Canadian Edition by William Little, the author provides a detailed analysis of race and ethnicity in the American society (Little, 2013 n.p.). The information provided is relevant to the topic because it provides a detailed inquiry into the subject matter giving the reader a clear picture of racial and ethnic interaction in the society.The chapter provides an explicit understanding of the concept by describing the differences between the two from a sociological perspective.

In particular, it focuses on the community as a struggle between the dominant and subordinate group and expresses how different races within the US context fit into these broad definitions (Little, 2013 n.p.). In addition, it elaborates on the racial and ethnic stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination, as well as provides a theoretical perspective to enhance a proper understanding of the same.American Diversity PatternsThe web page draws it relevance on race and ethnicity from the statistics provided in the census data.

The web page written by Denis ONeil acknowledges that the statistics offered in the poll is defective due to erratic and piecemeal data collection. Nonetheless, the available information provides a good understanding of racial distribution and composition of the US population (ONeil, 2008 n.p.). The understanding of race and ethnicity is complex given that there is a definite distinction between races and ethnic group. The American perception of race is discriminatory in nature and focuses on particular groups especially the Africa-Americans and Asian Americans.

With statistical evidence, ONeil supports that the White subgroup is viewed from a general angle compared to the racially perceived groups. Furthermore, the source examines the implications of the changing demographic patterns and explores the future composition of the society based on immigration and birth rate among different racial or ethnic groups (ONeil, 2008 n.p.).Race and Ethnicity a Historical and Political PerspectiveIn the article, Theodore W. Allen acknowledges that the American society has operated on the racial basis since the independence.

However, some groups such as the African Americans have paraded movements to fight against racial discrimination (Allen, 2000 n.p.). Despite the call for equality, racism and ethnicity in the American society still prevail in the modern day. There is a substantial misunderstanding of ethnicity when it comes to the Hispanic population. Looking at the topic from a historical and political perspective, Allen explores the purported White (European-Americans) dominance in the society.The author provides insightful information on the political construction of race and ethnicity as a ruling strategy that maintains the status quo (Allen, 2000 n.p.).

The analysis explains why some races are marginalized regardless of the governments expression of its desire to eradicate the same. In his perspective, the political point of view of racism and ethnicity offer a significant insight in understanding the American society based on racial and ethnic powers.ConclusionThe three sources are important since they provide a diversified understanding of race and ethnicity within the American context. As observed, they provide a social interaction perspective as well as explain the power ration based on racial or ethnic backgrounds.

In addition, they provide a historical and demographic pattern that is essential in understanding the current and future trends in race and ethnicity.Works CitedAllen, Theodore W. "Theodore W. Allen: "Race and Ethnicity: History and the 2000 Census"." Cultural Logic: An Electronic Journal of Marxist Theory and Practice. Cultural Logic, 2001. Web. 29 Mar. 2015. .Little, William. "Chapter 11. Race and Ethnicity | Introduction to Sociology? 1st Canadian Edition." BC Open Textbooks | Open Textbooks Adapted and Created by BC Faculty.

OpenStax College, 2013. Web. 29 Mar. 2015. .ONeil, Dennis. "Ethnicity and Race: American Diversity Patterns’." N.P., 2008. Web. 29 Mar. 2015. .