Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Evans, Arthur S.

Abstract

This thesis examines the sociological factors underlying the development of a Confederate Countermovement, which has resulted in a Confederate Flag controversy in South Carolina. In order to account for this development, a test of Herbert Blumer's race prejudice as a sense of group position theory was conducted. Blumer's theory holds that when dominant racial groups perceive a threat to their proprietary claims from a subordinate group, they will emotionally recoil from the potential loss of privilege. Using content analysis, the three major members of the Confederate Countermovement were analyzed. Results confirmed the usefulness of Blumer's theory for understanding this controversy. By viewing the conflict as the last stand of a small group of whites, efforts can be directed toward improving the position of blacks without generating countermovement action and bringing an end to the controversy.

Extent

110 p.

Comments

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2003.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

Identifier

FA00000896

Format

pdf

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