Am J Psychiatry 1981; 138:1057-1062
Copyright © 1981 by American Psychiatric Association
Racial intolerance in a correctional institution: an ecological view
A Pfefferbaum and NI Dishotsky
To determine the significance of social factors in racial intolerance, the
authors studied the relationship between relational behavior and ethnicity,
group status and role, peer acceptance, and group cohesion in an adolescent
correctional institution. Results portray three distinct patterns of
adaptation. Hispanics (Chicanos) formed a highly cohesive group that
required considerable conformity to group norms; policy was implemented by
a leadership capable of relating well to all ethnic groups. Whites formed a
disorganized and fragmented group, led by individuals who engaged in
racially antagonistic behavior. The highly cohesive black group and their
leadership were simultaneously in the forefront of both racial cooperation
and racial conflict.
