Final answer:
The statement about the "contact hypothesis" is false; it suggests that intergroup contact can reduce prejudice under specific conditions. The hypothesis is supported by studies showing moderate reduction in prejudice when groups work together equally and with institutional support. Perspectives on racism include its societal dysfunctions and the creation of prejudice through dominant group narratives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement regarding the "contact hypothesis" is false. The contact hypothesis actually posits that under certain conditions, intergroup contact can reduce prejudice between members of different groups. According to studies such as the meta-analysis by Pettigrew and Tropp (2006), intergroup contact can lead to a decrease in racial tensions, especially when groups meet on an equal basis with common goals and institutional support. Instances where diversity training takes place in a workforce from different cultural backgrounds aim to utilize the principles of the contact hypothesis to improve teamwork and reduce potential prejudices.
When considering the functionalist perspective on race and ethnicity, while it's argued that racism can strengthen bonds within an in-group, the overall societal dysfunctions, such as missing out on the talents of subjugated groups and the resources spent maintaining racial boundaries, are significant. For example, before the civil rights movement, considerable resources were wasted on maintaining 'separate but equal' educational systems that were inherently unequal.
From the interactionist perspective, symbols of race and ethnicity are important in how individuals define their identity. Interactionists like Herbert Blumer suggest racial prejudice arises from interactions within a dominant group that create an abstract picture of the subordinate group, which is often based on societal narratives rather than personal experiences.