Role Taking and the Study of Majority/Minority Relationships

The major theoretical issues concerning "role taking" and "role making" are discussed, particularly as these relate to relationships between majority and minority groups. One reason that stereotypes persist - especially those that depict ethnic minorities negatively - is that soc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of applied behavioral science 1989-01, Vol.25 (2), p.175-175
Main Author: Williams, Norma
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavioral sciences
Behaviorism
Cultural relations
Discrimination
Effects
Group dynamics
Majorities
Minority & ethnic groups
Role playing
Roles
Social psychology
Social research
Social Science
Theory
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Summary:The major theoretical issues concerning "role taking" and "role making" are discussed, particularly as these relate to relationships between majority and minority groups. One reason that stereotypes persist - especially those that depict ethnic minorities negatively - is that social scientists tend to reflect the social beliefs or values of those in the privileged majority sector. Barriers that researchers and others face when seeking to take the roles of others are investigated. Three problem areas are examined: 1. situations in which one group has more power than another, 2. unexamined roles, and 3. contradictory role expectations. It is concluded that role taking and role making have important methodological implications.
ISSN:0021-8863
1552-6879