Relationship Between Race and Class Essay Assignment Sample

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Introduction - What Is the Relationship Between Race and Class?

Race and class are two distinct components; race refers to human classification that constructs on social norms, whereas class associates with people who share similar status in society, this is further determined through work, income, education, wealth, race and ethnicity. There are varied approaches within sociology that articulate about contextual components such as race and class (Yancy, 2008). Formation of society and pace of development significantly entail different norms of life. As per Marxist sociologist approach, class and race both domains prove to be inseparable factors and it further influences the economic status of an individual. However, varied sociological theories hold different perceptions regarding this approach (Akram, 2022). Certain arguments state that class develops a major influence on welfare of people as opposed to race. The considerable debate in the context of class and race relation underpinning the notion of equality and inclusion within society. Social inequality revolves around class which is often based on race and these elements can intertwine or intersect. The present essay will be based on discussing the relationship that exists between race and class. An in-depth critical analysis would be undertaken while considering sociological theories, perception, and approaches. Reference to Hall’s idea will be made along with explaining the relationship with intersectionality. For students seeking assistance, online assignment help is available to provide expert guidance on these complex social science concepts.

Main Body

Race theories views race as a primarily social components that plays pivotal role in shaping interaction among individuals. The modern society has been emerging in the context of European Colonialism which led to birth of sociology. Nevertheless, empire and colonialism found to be absent from conceptual understanding. Black community within UK can be considered as one of the prime examples related to discrimination compounds with race. Racism and racial discrimination continue to be part of everyday lives particularly for ethnic minorities (Patrick Wolfe, 2006). Race is itself is a form of class, sociologist has shed significant light on this context. This is further argued that class is fundamental than race, class is explaining racial domination and certain mechanism proved that race is impacting class. The concept of race and class are distinct but still they relate with each other. These two categories are collapsing in one form, as per Hall’s opinion race is considered as the medium through which class can be experienced. Thus, this can be articulated that race develops significant impact on the ways in which class struggles. Hall’s idea reflecting about intersectionality as it has shown interconnectedness between social categories such as class and race. Hence, it can be said that race is providing that medium through which an individual’s class can be identified. Without race it is not easy to recognise the status or class of a person and therefore race is considered as important social domain.

Racism in contemporary Britain encompasses through historical and political determined system that are based on the domination. Racial categories are used in different ways that proves to be psychologically and materially harmful and it further reinforces link between racist structures and ideologies (Veracini, 2015). The socio-economic diversity acting as a reflection of relationship that exists between class and race. Cross-class interaction [CCI] takes place when individuals from different social class and background represent themselves in higher educational setting. This signifies about the diverse environment as student from each background are involved. The race and class organise society by recognising the different groups and this further develops social opportunities for people (Wolfe, 1999). The race and class prove to be one of the prominent debates in current era and it holds the notion of controversial topic. Sociogeny approach aligns with development of a social phenomenon that results from the social factors, it specifies about the science of origin for society.

Relationship Between Race and Class Essay Assignment Sample

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On the basis of Freud work, Fenon further emphasised on the sociogeny concept and sociological factors related to poverty and crime were considered for predisposing the phenomena. For understanding the relation between race and class, it is important to understand the race and class structure. The Racial conflict which has been highlighted in Sparkbrook requires to be understand while emphasising on broader class structure exist in British society. Furthermore, immigrants were incorporate in working class but they have faced huge issues in the pursuit of racial discrimination (Go, 2009). This clearly signifies about the relation exist between class and race. Immigrants were given opportunity for employment and they were involved in working class. However, due to different race and ethnicity these individuals faced huge discrimination. This shows that race creates major impact on the class of individuals, race determines about the originality of people and accordingly, they are treated. In the study of Rex and Moore it was highlighted that immigrants were forced to live overcrowding places that further exacerbated tension among the racial groups. This resulted in developing racial conflict among the different groups, this shows that in past people were judged on the basis of their race instead of class.

Despite having job, individuals were judged due to their skin colour and ethnicity which signifies that social norms linked with race that further influence the class. Race seems to be override class; it needs to be recognised that people of different colour has been exploited as labour. The Critical Race Theory [CRT] articulates that race is a biologically grounded feature inhuman being (Diamond, Posey-Maddox and Velázquez, 2021). Nevertheless, it has been seen as a social norm due to which individuals are judged on the basis of their race. Black-individuals faces extent discrimination due to their skin colour and they do not get equal opportunities in varied field. Hence, there is no doubt in stating that social construction of the race is creating major issue and two separate groups are developed under the society; blacks and whites, and the class is often determined on the basis of this group. For example- individuals belongs from black-community are often considered in the category of lower class while people from white community recognised as upper-class (Addo and Darity Jr, 2021). Anti-colonialism and anti-imperialism have been proven important component in social structures. Thus, there is no doubt in stating that race determines about the class of an individual. Race is at the forefront of the societal stricture as it is creating significant impact on the individuals.

The relationship between race and class persisting to greater extent, both of these social domains are related with each other and creates major impact on individuals. Sociologist emphasised on different element in their attempts, the theories of race and class often comprised with different components, class led to shape racial domination. On other hand race shapes class structures. Race and class persist in same system and therefore, it is important to develop an understanding related to whole system so that influence of both the factors can be understand. On hierarchical note whites have been placed on top of socioeconomic status and they are often considered as superior (Chandra and Chen, 2022). Whereas, non-whites have been placed below them which clearly signifies about the extent of discrimination. The society has been following a fixed pattern in which certain communities are placed at the top while others are considered as below, this is recognised through the race of people. A positivist approach has been followed in the society which significantly shows that a fix pattern has been prioritised due to which discrimination is persisting. The individuals should not be judged on the basis of their class and race, these determinants are only for grouping the individuals (Reagan, 2021). However, society undertakes discrimination among the groups based on their race and class.

The contextual information from the analysis clearly stating about the extent up-to which individuals are facing discrimination. This is further comprised with lack of privilege towards certain groups, despite of potential people from lower socio-economic class does not get opportunities. Racial-based discrimination is increasing to greater extent in society which shows that race is at the top (Buchanan and Wiklund, 2021). Race and class both are interconnected with each other and determines about the varied components, the societal categories are evolved from race and class partitions. People are getting judged due to this which develops sense of hatred in them. Therefore, it is highly essential to treat every individual in equal manner, no one should be judged on the basis of their race or class.

However, sociological perception related to class and race influencing people to follow a positivist approach. There is need to adopt interpretivism approach so that significant support can be assured to people and equality can be integrated in the society. Race and class are interconnected with each other and these social categories identifies about the different aspect and influence on the lives (Romero, 2024). These domains are responsible for structuring the experience of people within society and further impacts their self-esteem to greater extent. Findings have shown that these social structures often feel significant as this impacts individuals in different manner that ultimately influences society. Hence, there is no doubt in stating that race and class are connected with each other and both of these social categories shapes the behavioural pattern of individuals within society.

Discrimination can be varied in different forms; it depends upon the ways in which it is expressed. Institutional discrimination concerned with that type of discriminatory policies and practices that are further embedded in societal structures. Therefore, it tends to be more visible in comparison to interpersonal discrimination (Wolfe, 1999). From the research it has been identified that people from ethnic minority background faces huge discrimination in different context. They are being judged on their class and status and accordingly, society makes perception regarding them. Racial and class stigmatised people further experienced huge issues (Strier and Perez‐Vaisvidovsky, 2021). Historically, categorisation of social groups among race is further reflect on the exploitation, oppression and social equality. Biological and genetic explanation of race and differences among healthcare rational groups is evident. The racial categories prove to be good indicator among the biological variation within human population that is further considerable. Race and class are interconnected with each other as both of these components determines about the personality of individual. On the basis of race, class of an individual has been determined. On the other hand, based on the class, race of an individual is identified. Both of these are considered as important social categories which is signifying about the mandatory elements within societal structure.

The relationship between race and class proves to be complex and it has been signified as the focal point within sociological studies from decades. The connection has shown far reaching implications in terms of understanding power dynamics, social inequality and individual experiences among different societal structures. The race and class have been historically analysed in varied categories, contemporary sociologist approach and framework has been highlighting about the predicament and requirement of examining both the components together for recognising social stratification and identity formation. The contextual information depicts that both the components race and class has been shaping individuals’ experiences and opportunities of individuals (Roth, 2021). For understanding class, it is important to understand the economic dimension of a person life that involves access to resource, employment opportunities and wealth accumulation. Contrariwise, race comprehends with socially constructed categories that recognise individuals and shapes their perception. The thoughts are shaped by their experiences they receive in the pursuit of racial differences. Hence, the consideration of race and class associates with the analysis of ways in which they interact for preserve inequality along with impacting individual outcomes. This clearly specifies that race and class both of these domains determine about individual personality.

Max Weber emphasised on discoursing social stratification via introducing the “status’ concept within society. Weber often argued that social stratums mainly occur within three dimensions and those are class, power and status. Class specifies about the economic factor which further relates with income distribution, production and market qualification. Whereas status evolves around social prestige that aligns with particular groups which often influenced by race (Wyatt, Johnson and Zaidi, 2022). For instance- White individuals in society has the historical privilege which is characterised by the access towards education, employment, housing and racial minorities. This concept is supporting in demonstrating the intersectionality of race and class in which minority communities’ experiences economic and social disadvantage. Racial discrimination is prevalent in society, individuals are still suffering from this discrimination and this specifies about their class. The contemporary sociologist employed intersectionality as a critical lens, it supports in understanding the convergence of class and race. Intersectionality emphasises on varied form that recognise social changes such as race, sexuality and gender. These categories are overlapping and developing unique experience of discrimination and oppression (Moore-Berg and Karpinski, 2021). For example-Individuals from black community faces challenges that stems from their class and race, this results in social challenges. Hence, there is no doubt in stating that intersectionality permitting individuals face and further reconsidering this traditional dichotomy comprised with race versus class.

The historical context related to race and class within western societies revealing about significant disparities that are further rooted with colonialism, systematic discrimination and slavery. For example- racialised labor market was established through slavery system within United States and this led to develop profound influence on the individuals. Whereas, white families have the privilege to accumulate wealth over past generation. The economic disparities creating drastic influence on people and creates negative impact on their lives. This clearly stating about the relationship exist between historical racism and the contemporary economy outcomes (Block, Golder and Golder, 2023). Racial discrimination is just not limited to impacting current income level, it also creates long-term implication on wealth accumulation and the educational attainment which determines about the over-all access towards resources. Hence, race and class are interconnected with each other, on the basis of individual’s status and race they are being judged. This results in developing lack of satisfaction in people and further reduces their sense of belongingness towards society. An inclusive approach requires to be focused out which emphasise on assuring equal treatment towards each individual in the society and no-one should be judged on the basis of their race or class.

From the studies, varied arguments witnessed that revolves around the relationship between race and class. The Marxist theory specifically focusing on the ways in which economic structures shaping social relations. However, Karl Marx focused on the class struggle that is playing pivotal role in shaping social relations. The capitalist society is exploiting racial differences for maintaining the status (Block, Golder and Golder, 2023). The concept of divide and conquer demonstrating about ruling class which are accountable for manipulating racial identities and further diverting attentions regarding the struggle of class. The manipulation is upholding the power structures and further perpetuating inequalities related to class and race.

Thus, there is no doubt in stating that class and race are corelated with each other, both of these categories contribute in developing an individual’s identity within society. But collectively they correlate with each other and create distinct impact on the moral values of individuals. It is important to understand the framework of class and race specifically for understanding the social dynamics (Wolfe, 1999). One of the criticisms in this context states that race can result in oversimplifying of individual experience within the racial groups, the intersectional approach is serving as a base for understanding the multiple identities and experience of individuals. Another criticism aligns with prioritising the class in comparison to race.

Varied arguments states that economic factors require to be considered as a primary component for witnessing social stratification so this can be examined and accordingly racial issues could be identified. The social mobility and economic opportunity consider race as a critical factor for inequality. This criticism is elucidating about an integrated approach which further recognise about interdependence of race and class that argues about social experiences. From historical perception this can be said economic improvements specifically for marginalised racial groups ultimately led to eradicating racial disparities (Wyatt, Johnson and Zaidi, 2022). The critical observation is underpinning the significance of framing solutions in economic context while considering the broader perspective which often integrates racial equality, social justice and initiatives.

The relationship between race and class is further impacted by socio-political context that incudes policies, farmwork and practices. This has been undertaken for eradicating the system inequalities and promoting equality towards all individuals. Different programs have been undertaken within society that aims to promote inclusive approach within society so that social welfare can be promoted. These initiatives are specifically taken for supporting racial minorities. Hence, there is no doubt in stating that policy initiatives and frameworks are playing important role in diminishing racial and class-based inequalities (Wyatt, Johnson and Zaidi, 2022). The emphasis has been made on addressing root cause of these inequalities along with assuring support to people who are facing disparities. Hence, this can be depicted, policies and frameworks playing pivotal role in sharing the structural pattern of society that holds the notion of discrimination towards certain groups. For example- Equality Act 2010 in states that equal treatment should be ensured to individuals in every field. No one should be judged on the basis of their race and class, in this manner socio-political consideration reducing the issues related to race and class.

The relationship between race and class encompasses through different factors which are further multifaceted through economic, historical and socio-political structures. In order to understand this relationship, it is important to undertake a holistic approach that witnesses intersectionality of different groups. The sociological theories are providing important frameworks for understanding the concept of race and class within emphasising on their connection. The race and class have been analysed in simultaneous manner which states that both of these components are important in social context and this further develops impact on each other (Roth, 2021). This relationship has been rooted from history which keeps passing from generation to generation. It is pivotal to witness the potential for change related to conscious social actions and policies. From the analysis this can be said that there is need to prioritise an integrated approach which focuses on social justice and equity, this is further paramount for addressing the complexities related to race and class within society (Roth, 2021). Therefore, by critically engaging with these issues appropriate actions could be taken that acknowledges the intricacies of human morals and values instead of judging people on the basis of their race and class.

The correlation between race and class has been seen as a stepping stone which determines about the social conflict. There are different circumstances persist in societies; conflict theory can be taken in consideration for understanding the connection between race and class. Conflict theories creating significant emphasis on the concept of class inequality that has been further eliminated through race related prejudice. The correlation between the class and race proves to be wide-scale prejudice within society (Akram, 2022). From sociological perspective it has been analysed that class and race related facilities contributes in diversity engagement. On the contrary note it has been identified that restricted opportunities are also influenced due to class and race relationship. Implication of racism is creating problems in the society, it people are persistently judged on the basis of their class and race then, there would be no end of slavery era. In social perception class and race should be limited for grouping individuals and not for judging them (Akram, 2022). However, the relationship between these two domains clearly specified that these have been used for judging people and accordingly, treatment has been assured to them. Race determines about the class of an individual and this clearly states that there is connection exist between race and class. This relationship is based on social prejudice which contributes in disparities among individuals.

Conclusion

Conclusively; this can be said that race and class both of these social components are linked with each other. However, certain arguments have been arising in this area which specifies that race articulates about the class of an individual. On the other hand, criticism elucidates that class determines about the racial group of people. There are different perceptions implemented in this context, sociological theories have set different notion within society which sees class and race as an individual concept. Race specifies about the background and ethnicity of an individual which has been passed from generation. Whereas, an individual can change his/her class via earning wealth while some gets higher status from their previous generations. The evidences states that race and class are individual concept but on practical note both of these components are interconnected in social context. An individual has been judged on the basis of their race in the society and afterwards they are categorised in different class, race is acting as a prior domain that sets the basis for class. Hence, there is no doubt in stating that both of these components are aligned with each other and providing basis for identifying individuals.

References

Books and Journals

• Addo, F.R. and Darity Jr, W.A., 2021. Disparate recoveries: Wealth, race, and the working class after the Great Recession. The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 695(1), pp.173-192.
• Akram, S. 2022., Police ça Change? Cressida Dick, Institutional Racism and the Metropolitan Police. The Political Quarterly, 93: 383-39. 1
• Block Jr, R., Golder, M. and Golder, S.N., 2023. Evaluating claims of intersectionality. The Journal of Politics, 85(3), pp.795-811.
• Buchanan, N.T. and Wiklund, L.O., 2021. Intersectionality research in psychological science: Resisting the tendency to disconnect, dilute, and depoliticize. Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, 49(1), pp.25-31.
• Chandra, S. and Chen, C., 2022. Remapping the race/class problematic. Totality Inside Out, p.135.
• Diamond, J.B., Posey-Maddox, L. and Velázquez, M.D., 2021. Reframing suburbs: Race, place, and opportunity in suburban educational spaces. Educational Researcher, 50(4), pp.249-255.
• Go, J. 2009, The ‘New’ Sociology of Empire and Colonialism. Sociology Compass, 3: 775-788
• Moore-Berg, S.L. and Karpinski, A., 2021. Race and Social Class as Intersecting Social Categories. Social Psychology.
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• Roth, S., 2021. Intersectionality and coalitions in social movement research—A survey and outlook. Sociology Compass, 15(7), p.e12885.
• Strier, R. and Perez‐Vaisvidovsky, N., 2021. Intersectionality and fatherhood: theorizing non‐hegemonic fatherhoods. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 13(3), pp.334-346.
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