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2. Theory of Racial Discrimination
Race and discrimination are the fundamental elements to discuss in this section. Thus, this section attempts to define race and discrimination.
Furthermore, the section also deals with the types of racial discrimination existing in society.
a. Definition of Race
Schaefer 1986 states that biologically, race is a group of people who “have developed common physical characteristics that distinguish them from
other humans” p. 224. The physical traits which distinguish each group of human from another have practically become the obvious characteristics setting
apart a group from another. In a society where there are majority and minority groups, different physical traits have set apart minorities from majorities. Schaefer
1986 then notes that some countries may claim skin color and hair color as the obvious physical differences which lead majorities to set them apart from the
minorities p. 224. Furthermore he mentions that skin color becomes one of the obvious physical differences that have dramatic social and political meaning. The
statements presented above might imply that race is a set of obvious physical differences that mostly determine people to give social definition to each society.
b. Definition of Discrimination
When people discuss racial differences, discrimination is an evitable topic. Kitano 1974 in Hraba 1979 defines discrimination as “an act of differential
10 treatment toward a group which intends to create a disadvantage of some sort”
p.126. Hraba 1979 then attempts to define the disadvantage as the attempt to limit a group’s access to any social opportunity. These opportunities can occur
“with reflect of employment, adequate housing, and all sorts of public services, including publication
” p. 126. Zanden 1988
defines discrimination as “the arbitrary denial of privilege, prestige, and power to members of a minority group whose qualifications are
equal to those of members of the dominant group” p. 259. Two definitions of discrimination above imply that discrimination is an act in which a minority group
has unequal rights and is denied access to any social opportunity due to differences that this group has.
c. Types of Racial Discrimination
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