Now That You Have Been Introduced To Social Stratification ✓ Solved

Now That You Have Been Introduced To Social Stratification And Discrim

Now that you have been introduced to social stratification and discrimination in Chapters 12 and 13, watch the brief videos about the impact of immigration in U.S. in relation to a crime "As Immigration Increases, Violent Crime Falls or Stays the Same" and the economy "Here's What Research Shows About Immigration's Impact on an Economy". Answer the following questions in a post of at least 150 words: What are prejudice and discrimination? According to the videos, what has social science research discovered about the impact of immigration on crime and the economy? Given the facts in the videos above, what do you think are the causes of the current anti-immigration fervor in the U.S.? Is this related to discrimination towards other minority groups in the U.S.?

Paper For Above Instructions

Social stratification and discrimination are interconnected social phenomena that significantly influence various aspects of society, particularly immigration, crime rates, and economic conditions. Prejudice refers to preconceived opinions or attitudes about an individual or group, usually rooted in stereotypes and lacking factual basis, while discrimination involves actions or behaviors that treat individuals or groups unfairly based on these prejudices. This differential treatment could manifest in numerous ways, from denial of opportunities to overt acts of hostility.

According to the videos explored in this assignment, social science research highlights that, contrary to popular belief, immigration does not lead to increased violent crime. The video "As Immigration Increases, Violent Crime Falls or Stays the Same" presents evidence suggesting that higher immigration rates correlate with stable or declining violent crime rates. Many immigrants contribute positively to their communities, often reinforcing safety and economic viability. Further, the video "Here's What Research Shows About Immigration's Impact on an Economy" outlines how immigrants significantly contribute to economic growth. They fill essential roles in the labor market, enhance innovation, and help mitigate workforce shortages, thus benefiting the overall economy.

The current anti-immigration sentiment in the U.S. can be attributed to several factors, including economic anxieties, political rhetoric, and social media influence. Many Americans fear that immigrants are taking jobs away from native-born citizens or driving down wages. These fears often overlook the substantial economic contributions made by immigrants. Additionally, sensationalist media coverage can exacerbate public fears by highlighting isolated incidents of crime linked to immigrants, although statistical evidence refutes these claims.

Furthermore, the rise in anti-immigration fervor is closely related to discrimination towards other minority groups. Historically, ingrained biases and social hierarchies perpetuate discrimination across various axes, including race and ethnicity. As different minority groups attempt to gain visibility and navigate social systems, larger segments of the population may react defensively, leading to a perceived need to "protect" resources and opportunities from immigrants and other marginalized populations. This intersectional discrimination often results in a complex web of societal issues where fear, prejudice, and discriminatory policies overlap.

In summary, prejudice and discrimination are significant constructs that intertwine with immigration issues, impacting both crime rates and economic perceptions. While research consistently shows that immigration can lead to positive outcomes for society, current anti-immigration sentiments reflect broader patterns of discrimination and social fear. Addressing these issues involves acknowledging the economic realities and fostering an inclusive discourse that reflects the true contributions of immigrants to society.

References

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  • National Academy of Sciences. (2017). The Integration of Immigrants into American Society. The National Academies Press.
  • Ousey, G. C., & Mastrofski, S. D. (2009). Immigration and crime: The effects of immigration on crime in the United States. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 623(1), 165-183.
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