Priorities of Value Policy in Race and Ethnic Relations in the USA

Abstract

Conceptual interpretation of research practices undertaken in this study enabled the authors to identify the specific role of value policy as an efficiency factor of state management in improving race and ethnic relations in the United States. In this regard, the article aims to determine the priorities of value policy, considering the major trends of race relations development in the United States. The methodological basis for the research was formed by a sociological survey representing the formation of the system of core values in contemporary multicultural American society. Using the method of cluster analysis, the authors formed the matrix of social values differentiation according to their impact on race relations. The authors identified two types of values: Incentive values that facilitate improvement of race and ethnic relations and disincentive values which aggravate interracial conflicts. The authors defined and provided rationale for "high", "medium" and "low" influence levels of incentive values on race relations in contemporary American society. The article explains the necessity of subordinated development of disincentive values in contrast to incentive values in value policy related to race relations. Influence levels of incentive values were used to determine the priorities in modern value policy being a factor of social and economic security of the multicultural American society. The findings were processed into conceptual provisions, so that this concept can be used in managing race ethnic relations at the federal level.