The Noel Hypothsesis

The Noel Hypothesis, introduced by sociologist Donald Noel, states that, “If two or more groups come together in a contact situation characterized by ethnocentrism, competition, and a differential in power, then some form of racial or ethnic stratification will result. If the contact situation has all three characteristics, some dominant-minority group structure will be created (pg.168)”. Sociologist, Robert Blauner, submitted the Blauner Hypothesis, which hypothesizes that, “ Minority groups created by colonization will experience more intense prejudice, racism, and discrimination than those created by immigration. Furthermore, the disadvantaged status of colonized groups will persist longer and be more difficult to overcome than the disadvantaged status created by immigration(pg.170)”. For African Americans, economic exploitation defined minority group status. African Americans were brought to America and exploited to remedy a labor supply problem. “The business of the American colonists of the 1600s was agriculture, which was labor-intensive. As colonial society grew and developed, the plantation system began to evolve. Profit margins in the labor-intensive plantation system could be maximized if a large, disciplined, and cheap workforce could be maintained by landowners (pg.167)”. “The colonists came to see slaves imported from Africa as the most logical, cost-effective way to solve their vexing shortage of labor. The colonists created slavery to cultivate their lands and generate profits, status, and success (pg.168)”. For African Americans, this process is clearly linked with the Noel Hypothesis, as well as the Blauner Hypothesis.

Native Americans were economically exploited as well. However their exploitation differed from that of African Americans. “Native Americans’ competition with whites centered on land, not labor, and the Indian nations were often successful in temporarily resisting total domination (pg. 182)”. Native Americans plight differed from...