Modernization, urbanization, and development tend to facilitate the development of minority or indigenous group movements. Societies with a large number of racial and ethnic classifications tend to have more harmonious intergroup relations. Cultural and demographic characteristics of the two or more groups have important effects on the patterns of relations between them. Societies with crosscutting cleavages have less intergroup conflict than those with overlapping cleavages. Ethnic groups with a territorial power base tend to be in a stronger position and resort more readily to conflict than do groups without a territorial base.
Ethnic groups tend to be more intense with the groups involved speak different languages.
International conflicts with a nation associated with a minority group tend to result in hostility toward and subordination of that minority group. Surges of immigration often lead to increased ethnic prejudice and conflict and to heighten opposition to immigration. Racial divisions tend to be more intense than ethnic divisions. International pressure can cause dominant groups to change their treatment of subordinate groups. B. Evaluations of Generalizations in terms of Theoretical Perspective.