Abstract

ARRIAGA MARTINEZ, Rafael. Religión, grupos étnicos y procesos de estratificación social en los Estados Unidos: El caso de los mexicanos y chinos desde una perspectiva comparativa. Estud. front [online]. 2008, vol.9, n.17, pp.107-147. ISSN 2395-9134.

Through this article we are offering a global view of a theory that explains and contributes to the understanding of the position of ethnic groups in the United States within the social hierarchy. This research is focused toward a comparative analysis of Mexican and Chinese groups starting considering the following Weberian statements: a) one that considers the influence of ideas and religious beliefs in the economic behavior of individuals, b) and, another one that conceives religions as ethical vehicles liable to inhibit or stimulate the process of social stratification. In sum, this deals trying to consider the influence of diverse elements of religious culture in the makeup of certain economic behavior and context which is capable of vitalizing or hindering group dynamism in the social scale. This behavior is remarkably related to: a) money in all its modalities, savings, expenses, investments, loans, etc., b) work and entrepreneur business, and c) family and communitarian solidarity. We also would like to emphasize on problems stemming from the practical applications of theory and method to the above mentioned phenomenon, emphasizing the productivity of concepts and analytical categories which are representative of a Methodological Individualism and Rational General Theory.

Keywords : ethnical groups; social stratification; religion; culture; cultural values.

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