BALANCES TEÓRICOS DE LA AMENAZA COMO VARIABLE PARA LA INVESTIGACIÓN SOCIAL

Abstract

The concept of threat is discussed as a variable in social research, particularly as predictor of prejudice in intergroup relations. Two traditions in social sciences that have developed theories of threat are examined. The former is a sociological theory formulates by George Herbert Blumer and posteriorly developed by contemporary sociologists. The second theory of threat is located in the social psychology and was developed by Walter Stephan and colleagues. Both views are showed and compared in the framework of a Costa Rican’s social research.