Research Paper on:
Analyzing and Providing Solutions for Racism

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
largely men and women of color whereas the guards and judges and lawyers are white. There are many reasons for this, but one can say that racism is involved to  create this result. There are many examples of racism in society, but there are few sociological paradigms that can provide an adequate explanation. Although that is the case, it seems  that conflict theory can best provide an explanation for the result of racism in a society that gives lip service to equality. First, it helps to explore other paradigms.  There are various models with which to analyze racism. For example, there is symbolic interactionism. This is when "data are converted into symbols that are then given meaning through definition  and conceptualization" (Glazier & Grover, 2002, p. 317). It is difficult to provide an adequate explanation for racism when using this model just as it is difficult to use the  functional approach. Structural-functionalism is an offshoot of the functionalist model. Functionalism may also be related to systems theory. Yet, it is different, because as opposed to being interested in the  maintenance of systems, it addresses the "functions and tasks that the respective systems with their structures fulfill for their environment" (Kollak & Kim, 2006, p.115). What occurs in functionalism is  that certain things provide a function. For instance, one may suppose that a mother spanks her children. She may be abusive, but that act of hitting provides a function in  that it allows her to let go of her anger. This is a negative way to let off steam but clearly, the act of hitting serves a function. While  the paradigm is useful in that way, there are obviously many limitations. Functional approaches do not take into consideration more intricate and deeper aspects of institutions. When it comes