Abstract

Symbolic racism and social dominance theories were compared by reanalysis of data from a national probability sample of 234 White Americans and by using observed-variables, structural equation models. Contrary to the conclusions reached by Jessor (1989), the results did not support the major contentions of symbolic racism theory; rather, they seemed more consistent with the assumptions of social dominance theory. The possibility that symbolic racism serves as an important legitimizing myth in American society is discussed.