Question

Herbert Blumer asserts that race prejudice should be considered in terms of group position. Within this framework, what is the relationship between group and individual?

a) An individual member of a dominant group feels that members of subordinate groups can transcend their overall group position and overcome prejudice through economic or social means.

b) An individual member of a subordinate group always considers themselves a part of that group, but can view other individual members as having transcended to a higher group position.

c) An individual member of a dominant group will always feel as though they are a part of a group that is higher than other groups, regardless of their success in relation to members of subordinate groups.

d) An individual member of a dominant group feels as though they can descend to the status of a subordinate group due to economic or social failings.

Answer 1

Blumer's framework suggests that racial prejudice is grounded in the group position, with the c) dominant group maintaining a view of superiority over subordinate groups irrespective of individual achievements.

Step-by-step explanation:

Herbert Blumer posits that racial prejudice is a matter of group position rather than individual feelings. Within this framework, the individuals see themselves as part of a larger group with its prejudices and views about other groups.

Blumer highlights how members of the dominant group form their opinions of subordinate groups not from direct interactions but rather from societal interactions and symbols.

He suggests that these group-based prejudices sustain the status quo by creating an abstract image of subordinate groups that reinforces the dominant group's perceived superiority.

Option c best represents the relationship between group and individual in Blumer's framework. It states that an individual member of a dominant group will always feel they are part of a group higher than others.

Regardless of their success relative to members of subordinate groups. It reflects Blumer's theory that individual members of the dominant group maintain their racism through abstract social interactions that uphold their group's superior position.