CHANGES IN EGALITARIAN ATTITUDES TOWARD RACIAL AND ETHNIC MINORITIES FROM 1956 TO 1980--THE INTERACTION OF EDUCATION AND CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT.

Abstract

Analysis of NORC and DAS data from 1956 to 1980 shows continuous increases in support for equal treatment or equal status for minority group members. This change is found to result largely from a shift in the overall cultural environment in America. Education is found to have a constant effect in reducing prejudice even in periods of time and in subcultures generally hostile toward egalitarianism. Evidence shows the more educated have more access to sources of correct information. It is asserted that on the question of basic equality among men, women, and various racial or ethnic minorities the answer supported by facts is that all groups are quite equal in all innate abilities and potentials. Education is seen to give one greater access to this truth. Regional differences between the non-South and South, while large forty years ago, have continuously decreased. By 1980 there remain only small differences with the South still less egalitarian on most measures. It is predicted that egalitarian attitudes toward all groups will continue to increase in America because all factors associated with more egalitarianism, interdependence, organization and power of minority groups, and sharing of a common culture are increasing.