Inner City Sociology

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Recommended: Major features of conflict theory

Sociology theories aim to give observers a deeper understanding about how and why societies function as they do. During the current presidential debates and campaigns, many topics directly concern the black and colored communities. In Zeba Blay’s Huffington Post article “Why Does Trump Think ‘Inner City’ Is Synonymous With ‘Black People’?”, the author reveals the conflicting interests embedded in politics. While many sociological theories could apply to the situation of blacks and minorities in America, conflict theory is the most applicable due to the upcoming election. First, Zeba Blay’s article reveals presidential candidate Donald Trump’s association of black communities with inner-city problems. The question, asked by an audience member …show more content…

Conflict theory indicates that the oppression of certain groups results in the stability of the power structure. Inner-cities are notorious for the limited opportunities presented to the black community, violence, and difficulty in rising above the poverty line. Canadian sociologist Alan Sears explains Trump’s obsession with inner-cities in that: “…social institutions that preserve the current order…are acting in interests of the powerful, who benefit from the ongoing exploitation of the disadvantaged. Politics is the expression of the conflict in interests between the powerful and the subordinated groups…” (Sears 155). Trump focuses on the situation in inner-cities because acknowledging the problem politically would be more beneficial to him and the rest of society than trying to change it. In conclusion, the sociological lens of conflict theory allows individuals to better understand the imbalance of power in both society and politics. Donald Trump would not gain popularity with the rest of the population by challenging the established status quo. Furthermore, the exploitation and oppression of certain groups is important is keeping the societal power structure intact. Trump does not propose any solutions for blacks in inner-cities because he does not want to change the current situation. Therefore, he focuses on listing and defining the problems

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