Based on structural and behavioral orientations, a theory of intergroup antagonism (subsuming ethnic prejudice, racism, and sexism) is developed interlinking social power, competition, labor force structure, and contact. The behavioral orientation is invoked chiefly on matters of interpersonal contact, and the development of individual attitudes and behavioral patterns towards others. Employing a structural orientation, social power, competition, and the labor force structure are assumed to affect intergroup relations directly. Given the learning of prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behavioral patterns, differences in power, competition, and the structure of the labor force lead to five hypotheses on intergroup antagonism.