The sociology of ethnic relations

Abstract

The sociological problems presented by ethnic relations should be distinguished from problems of social policy. The foundations for a micro-sociology of ethnic relations laid by Max Weber in 1906–11 have to be interrelated with the macro-sociological contexts within which ethnic groups are constructed by collective action. When ethnic relations have their origin in trans-national migration, much depends on the immigrants’ points of entry into the receiving society's scale of socio-economic status, and, thereafter, on transmitted inequalities. While the nature and causes of social differences associated with ethnic origin have been illuminated by quantitative and qualitative studies, new styles of research are needed to bridge these modes of analysis, such as the measurement of relative preferences for association with co-ethnics.

Keywords:

• Assimilation
• collective action
• ethnic group
• ethnic relations
• immigration
• Max Weber

Notes

1. Colours (like black and white) may be used as proper names for social categories that can, in some circumstances, become groups.

2. In some world regions (parts of Africa, India and Russia) the linguistic and religious dimensions may be more important than they have been in European and North American cities. How the sociology of ethnic relations will develop in China cannot yet be foreseen. Globally, the sociology of ethnic relations may be absorbed into a broader sociology of collective action.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael Banton

MICHAEL BANTON is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Bristol University