White guilt is a sociological and social psychological phenomenon that refers to a collective taking of responsibility by the dominant group for perpetrating past injustices. The phenomenon of white guilt is usually associated with greater support for affirmative action and other activist approaches to mitigating the effects of racism. Therefore, white guilt can be perceived as a desirable or positive variable that can predict pro-social behavior. Indeed, research has shown statistically significant correlations between perceived white guilt and low levels of prejudice against people of color (Swim and Miller). Likewise, there is strong support in academic literature that white guilt is associated with more support for affirmative action programs (Gunn and Wilson). White guilt is also associated with the acknowledgment of the existence of white privilege, which is the phenomenon of whites benefitting from their social status (Iver, Leach and Crosby; Swim and Miller). The experience of white guilt is a sense of shame for having access to white privilege. It can be construed as solidarity with people of color, or it can be construed as a demeaning manifestation of racism. Therefore, white guilt is not always framed as a desirable phenomenon or experience. Shelby Steele has written much on the adverse effects of white guilt: which Steele frames as a patronizing means of perpetuating racism under a disguise of kindness. Vanairsdale likewise calls...
behavior" that is indicative of collective insecurity rather than a need to actually create social justice. Kivel claims that white guilt can create sense of distorted reality: in which some white people -- arguably recipients of white privileges -- deny being white. The sense of guilt over being white represents distaste for being lumped in with the dominant group that has perpetuated racism.
Sociological Theories of Crime There are a number of respected sociological theories of crime and criminality, and in this paper four of those theories -- social control theory, strain theory, differential association theory and neutralization theory -- will be reviewed in terms of their strengths and weaknesses. Also, of the theories discussed, one or more will be referenced in terms of the relevance to a recently convicted offender. Social Control Theory According to
Sociological Theories Do laws serve to help the masses or do they serve the "propertied and privileged few?" (Heywood 152) This question is thrown into stark relief, given the recent Kobe Bryant Scandal regarding the accuser's allegations that the NBA superstar raped her. (CNN.com, 2003) Theorists and Sociological concepts On one hand, it could be argued that the privileges of the wealth and fame offered by Bryant's status gave him added media protection.
Sociology and Feminist Theories on Gender Studies Postmodern Feminism in "Cherrie Moraga and Chicana Lesbianism" In the article entitled, "Cherrie Moraga and Chicana Lesbianism," author Tomas Almaguer analyzes and studies the dynamics behind Moraga's feminist reading of the Chicano culture and society that she originated from. In the article, Almaguer focuses on three elements that influenced Moraga's social reality as she was growing up: the powerful effect of the Chicano culture, patriarchal
Murray characterizes educational romantics as people who believe that the academic achievement of children is determined mainly by the opportunities they receive and has little to do with their intellectual capacity. Educational romantics believe the current K-12 education system is in need of vast improvement. Murray describes two types of educational romantics, one set on the Left and one on the Right, and differentiates between the two thusly: "Educational romantics of
Sociological Imagination: An analysis of the biography of a friend According to the sociologist C. Wright Mills, the sociological imagination is a deep and visceral understanding of how our personal experiences relate to factors present in larger society. "The sociological imagination enables its possessor to understand the larger historical scene in terms of its meaning for the inner life and the external career of a variety of individuals" (Mills 3). The
Most Native Americans would demonstrate exceptional tolerance to other religions but their own religious beliefs are based on nature. Even though years of assimilation had initially damaged the cultural roots of Native Americans, there is now a new kind of cultural and social change that we notice in this group. People are working hard to reclaim their cultural identity, which has triggered a gradual process of cultural renewal. This cultural
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