Racial Segregation: Research Proposal

Introduction and Description of the Topic

Racial segregation refers to the act of establishing definite social boundaries based on racial backgrounds in which people of different races get different aspects of treatments even in the same society. Racial segregation proves to be inevitable in most countries of the world such as the United States where people from different parts of the world defined by various races live. Vargas and Kingsbury (2016) recognized that the given social issue occurs as one of the considerable manifestations of racism in the societies in which it is practiced. There are some international policies of humanities which have been put in place to guide and protect the social lives and behaviors of individuals irrespective of where they live. However, Ullucci (2013) noted that cultural diversity has proved to be a challenging task to achieve by most societies since at least a given section is always considered inferior concerning their racial backgrounds. It, therefore, follows that racial segregation has risen to be an issue of concern based on the current situation and the potential risks it poses to the victims.

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Theoretical Perspective: Conflict Theory

Conflict theory views a society as a place in which there is no equality and consensus where individual groups fight for power and dominance. As a result, a group tends to dominate over the other(s) and the dominance results from the social capabilities of the groups involved in the given society (Pang, 2016). Conflict theory can be applied appropriately to understand the issue of racial segregation as it is currently in the world. The perspectives of the theory apply to issues regarding inequalities of classification such as race, identity, and ethnicity. A conflict theory, in an attempt to explain the situation of a racial country, for example, would focus on examining the current and past struggles between the ruling class and the ethnic minorities (Latner, 2017). A proper example is the case of the America in which the blacks and the other races of color have been struggling for equality in the country involving many social that they would be recognized. Despite the level of the struggle racial segregation is still a matter of concern whereby the need for equal treatments is hardly recognized in the various sectors.

Research Question

The research question I would address in my study is: why does racial segregation, as an aspect of the conflict, exists in the society, by considering the applicable data on this given social issue of concern. According to Hero and Levy (2017), racial segregation being a serious issue, it prompts research to determine why it exists despite the policies put in place to ensure a social existence associated with equality. I will conduct a research to investigate why racial segregation has remained a problem in many societies of the world, creating conflicts.

Research Method

I will use in-depth interview method for the collection of data which will make the basis for analysis and the ultimate understanding of the research question, which should go for a period of one month. The method will incorporate the qualitative approach so that I focus on getting sufficient details on the issue of racial segregation as a social issue and to get an answer to the research question. I will consider a small sample for the purpose of data collection based on the targeted level of the convenience so that I get to be able to exercise adequate control over the population involved. The respondents will be chosen from the societies which have a long history of racial segregation, whereby both the victims and those belonging to the superior races would make the basis of the sample.

Secondary Research Questions

Some of the questions that I will ask the chosen respondents are as follows:

1. Have you ever experienced any form of racial segregation? If so, in which manner?
2. How did you feel when you were served based on racial boundaries?
3. What do you think of racial segregation? Should it exist in any society?
4. Is there any way through which a society benefits or loses as a result of allowing racial segregation to thrive?
5. What do you think is the impact of racial segregation on the social lives of the individuals who become victims of the issue?
6. How do you think society can be without social segregation based on the need for considerable social segregation among human beings?

Data Analysis

I will employ the technique of data coding since I will have generated sufficient qualitative data on the topic in line with the research question. this will enable me to have a proper understanding of why some societies promote racial segregation.

Potential Flaws in the Research

The research is likely to be affected by some serious problems. For instance, the resource persons would not be willing to practice honesty hence possibly providing wrong information. Moreover, the chosen sample could be too small to give provide adequate data on the topic under study. These would ultimately lead to wrong analysis and conclusions on the research question.

Significance

The research is significant in that it introduces an issue of concern that affects most parts of the world therefore it is worth study in spite of the associated flaws. It has risen to be a controversial topic since many tend to oppose it strongly as many tend to stick to their racial ways of life. It also serves to show how society is affected by some issues whose solutions have never been found.

References

Hero, R., & Levy, M. (2017). The Racial Structure of Inequality: Consequences for Welfare Policy in the United States*. Social Science Quarterly, 99(2), 459-472. Doi: 10.1111/ssqu.12427

Latner, J. (2017). Rethinking the Role of Racial Segregation in the American Foreclosure Crisis. City & Community, 16(4), 447-485. Doi: 10.1111/cico.12253

Pang, M. (2016). Book Review: The Impact of Racism on African American FamiliesThe Impact of Racism on African American FamiliesRosenblattPaul C.Ashgate, Aldershot (2014) ISBN: 9781472415585 (HB) PS60 hardback pp. 179. Sociological Research Online, 21(1), 1-2. Doi: 10.1177/136078041602100102

Ullucci, K. (2013). Racism without racists: color-blind racism and the persistence of racial inequality in America. Choice Reviews Online, 51(05), 51-2956-51-2956. Doi: 10.5860/choice.51-2956

Vargas, N., & Kingsbury, J. (2016). Racial Identity Contestation: Mapping and Measuring Racial Boundaries. Sociology Compass, 10(8), 718-729. Doi: 10.1111/soc4.12395