Racism: A Very Short Introduction

by Ali Rattansi

Overview

From subtle discrimination in everyday life, to horrors like lynching in the Old South, cultural imperialism, and "ethnic cleansing", racism exists in many different forms, in almost every facet of society. Despite civil rights movements and other attempts at progress, racial prejudices and stereotypes remain deeply embedded in Western culture. Racism takes a frank and objective look at why these notions exist. It explores how racism has come to be so firmly established, and looks at how race, ethnicity, and xenophobia are related. This book incorporates the latest research to demystify the subject of racism and explore its history, science, and culture. It sheds light not only on how racism has evolved since its earliest beginnings, but also explores the numerous embodiments of racism, highlighting the paradox of its survival, despite the scientific discrediting of the notion of 'race' with the latest advances in genetics. As encompassing as it is concise, Racism is a valuable guide to one of the world's most destructive problems.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780192805904
Publisher:	Oxford University Press, USA
Publication date:	05/01/2007
Series:	Very Short Introductions Series
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.80(w) x 4.20(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Ali Rattansi is currently Visiting Professor of Sociology at City University, London. His publications include Racism, Modernity, and Identity: On the Western Front, 'Race', Culture, and Difference, and Racism and Anti-racism: Inequalities, Opportunities, and Policies.

Table of Contents

Conundrums
1. The Emergence of Racial Science
2. The Rise and Fall of Scientific Racism
3. The Institutions of Racism
4. But is it Racism?
5. Why Racism?
6. The future of 'Race' and 'Racism'