Deficiency theories of racial inequality are basically inadequate in explaining observed racial differences between groups. Nonetheless, throughout the history of our country, both political leaders and prominent educators have propounded the notion that the inferior social status of blacks is due to some inherent deficiency in their make-up. Seldom are deficiency theories cognizant of the possibility that the "deficiencies" in question might be results, rather than causes, of the inequalities the theories seek to explain. Such theories encourage us to look away from the dominant group, the class structure, and the larger social system for the explanation of racial inequality. It is only through effecting basic changes in the larger society that equality among all racial groups can be achieved. (GC)