The social sciences offer many insights into the causes of the
intense ethnic conflicts that characterize the close of the
twentieth century, but they also create obstacles to understanding
these baffling problems, contends H. D. Forbes in this important
book. Forbes takes a critical look at the "contact hypothesis" --
the assumption commonly held by social scientists that increased
contact between different ethnic groups gives each group more
accurate information about the other and thus reduces friction. By
distinguishing aggregate from individual relations, Forbes suggests
a way out of the perplexities induced by current social science
literature on prejudice and discrimination.
Drawing on studies of the contact hypothesis in sociology and
social psychology and on the literature on nationalism and ethnic
conflict, this book provides the most thorough review of contact
theory available. Scientific research suggests that increased
contact between culturally distinct groups in some cases gives rise
to more intense conflict. Yet individuals who get to know each
other better generally like each other better. Can these apparently
conflicting generalizations both be true? asks Forbes. They are, he
argues, and he takes contemporary social science to task for
failing to show how and why this is possible. The author clarifies
the weaknesses of contact theory, develops an alternative
"linguistic model" of ethnic conflict, and concludes with
penetrating reflections on the politics and methodology of the
social sciences today.
"This is a splendid critique of contact theory. Forbes has
produced a truly major work in the epistemology of social science".
-- Donald L. Horowitz, Duke University
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
(1)
