Racism: A Very Short Introduction

by Ali Rattansi

Overview

From subtle discrimination in everyday life and scandals in politics, to incidents like lynchings in the American South, cultural imperialism, and 'ethnic cleansing', racism exists in many different forms, in almost every facet of society. But what actually is race? How has racism come to be so firmly established? Why do so few people actually admit to being racist? How are race, ethnicity, and xenophobia related? Racism: A Very Short Introduction 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 will also explore 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. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780191584992
Publisher:	OUP Oxford
Publication date:	03/22/2007
Series:	Very Short Introductions
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Ali Rattansi is a prolific writer on race, postcolonialism, orientalism, and cultural imperialism. Currently Visiting Professor of Sociology at City University, London, he has spent much of his academic career studying the concept of racism. His publications include Racism, Modernity and Identity: On the Western Front co-edited with S. Westwood (1994); 'Race', Culture and Difference with James Donald (1992); and Racism and Anti-racism: Inequalities, Opportunities and Policies with P. Braham and R. Skellington (1992).

Table of Contents

List of illustrations xix

Preface to the second edition xxi

1 'Race' and racism: some conundrums 1

2 Imperialism, genocide, and the 'science' of race 10

3 The demise of scientific racism 34

4 Racialization, cultural racism, and religion 50

5 Structural racism and colourblind whiteness 94

6 Intersectionality and 'implicit' or 'unconscious' bias 128

7 The rise of right-wing national populism and the future of racism 147

References 163

Further reading 170

Publisher's acknowledgements 173

Index 174

Editorial Reviews

"Appearing at a moment when resurgent racisms threaten democracy and social justice in many countries, Ali Rattansi's book is immensely valuable. Clearly and concisely analyzing the varieties of racism today, Rattansi explains the roots of the phenomenon and also helps us challenge its new forms. Rooted in the past of segregation, biologism, apartheid, fascism, and imperial genocide, racism's contemporary expressions like "colorblindness," anti-immigrant politics, and "national populism" all demand our attention and resistance. Racism: A Very Short Introduction provides the tools we need to respond effectively. Highly recommended for course adoption!" — Professor Howard Winant, University of California

"A superb book, covering a whole sweep of history, but in this revised edition bang up to date in terms of recent research and current controversies, including the rise of right-wing populism." — Professor Lord Giddens, former Director of the London School Economics

From the Publisher