The Ideology of Negro Physicians: A Test of Mobility and Status Crystallization Theory

Abstract

Mobility and status crystallization theory are both based on the assumption that status discrepancies create strains and difficulties for the individual and lead to various forms of compensatory behavior. Despite the obvious similarity between these two concepts, virtually no attempt has been made to disentangle their independent effects in empirical research. Furthermore, mobility and status crystallization theory appear at certain points to be incompatible, since they lead to contradictory statements about the ideology of Negro physicians. In the present study multivariate analysis was used to compare the effects of mobility and status inconsistency on the political and economic views of Negro and white physicians practicing in New York City. The crystallization model provides a much better fit for the data than does mobility, and it appears to be a more promising concept.