Reading:
Joe Feagin and Clairece Feagin, "Theories of Discrimination," (PPP), 209-214.
Questions:
1. What is prejudice? What is the "unit of analysis" of theories of prejudice?
2. Describe the interest theory of discrimination. List some of the assumptions of this particular theory of discrimination.
3. What is the "internal colonialism" perspective? How does this theory differ from the interest theory? What does this theory take into account that the "interest theory" does not?
4. What are some of the definitions of an institution? Think of examples to illustrate each definition.
5. How do the authors define institutional racism/sexism? What examples do they provide?
6. For each of the following historical phenomena, suggest which theory of discrimination best explains it. Be prepared to justify your answer:
a. slavery
b. the Jim Crow laws and social practices
c. substandard schools in the inner cities
d. the pay differential between men and women
e. miscegenation laws
f. Luima's torture
g. Diallo's murder
i. all-white neighborhoods
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