The Meaning of Race
Race, History, and Culture in Western Society
By Kenan Malik | Publisher: NYU Press
About the book
Argues that the social meaning of race emerges from a contradiction between the ideology of equality and the reality of inequality
Today, race seems to be both everywhere and nowhere. There still exists a general abhorrence about discriminating between people according to their race. And yet, people are continually categorized according to their race—Afro- Caribbean, white, Jewish—though we often have difficulty in defining just what race is. Everything from criminality to the entrepreneurial spirit is given a racial connotation—witness stereotypes of black muggers or Asian shopkeepers.The Meaning of Race argues that the social meaning of race in modern society emerges from the contradiction between an ideological commitment to equality and the persistence of inequality as a practical reality. Kenan Malik here follows the development of racial ideology over the past two hundred years, tracing the different forms it has taken, from biological theories of race to the relationship between race and culture. Specific attention is focused on the impact of the break up of the postwar order and the end of the Cold War and the concomitant repoliticization of the notion of racial difference. Malik goes on to critique the poststructuralist and postmodern theories of difference which have become the backbone of contemporary antiracist discourse, and to examine the possibility of transcending the discourse of race.
Editions of The Meaning of Race
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780814755525
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780814755532
Read an Excerpt
Argues that the social meaning of race emerges from a contradiction between the ideology of equality and the reality of inequality
Today, race seems to be both everywhere and nowhere. There still exists a general abhorrence about discriminating between people according to their race. And yet, people are continually categorized according to their race—Afro- Caribbean, white, Jewish—though we often have difficulty in defining just what race is. Everything from criminality to the entrepreneurial spirit is given a racial connotation—witness stereotypes of black muggers or Asian shopkeepers.The Meaning of Race argues that the social meaning of race in modern society emerges from the contradiction between an ideological commitment to equality and the persistence of inequality as a practical reality. Kenan Malik here follows the development of racial ideology over the past two hundred years, tracing the different forms it has taken, from biological theories of race to the relationship between race and culture. Specific attention is focused on the impact of the break up of the postwar order and the end of the Cold War and the concomitant repoliticization of the notion of racial difference. Malik goes on to critique the poststructuralist and postmodern theories of difference which have become the backbone of contemporary antiracist discourse, and to examine the possibility of transcending the discourse of race.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Meaning of Race about?
Argues that the social meaning of race emerges from a contradiction between the ideology of equality and the reality of inequality
Today, race seems to be both everywhere and nowhere. There still exists a general abhorrence about discriminating between people according to their race. And yet, people are continually categorized according to their race—Afro- Caribbean, white, Jewish—though we often have difficulty in defining just what race is. Everything from criminality to the entrepreneurial spirit is given a racial connotation—witness stereotypes of black muggers or Asian shopkeepers.The Meaning of Race argues that the social meaning of race in modern society emerges from the contradiction between an ideological commitment to equality and the persistence of inequality as a practical reality. Kenan Malik here follows the development of racial ideology over the past two hundred years, tracing the different forms it has taken, from biological theories of race to the relationship between race and culture. Specific attention is focused on the impact of the break up of the postwar order and the end of the Cold War and the concomitant repoliticization of the notion of racial difference. Malik goes on to critique the poststructuralist and postmodern theories of difference which have become the backbone of contemporary antiracist discourse, and to examine the possibility of transcending the discourse of race.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Meaning of Race?
Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Social groups, communities and identities > Ethnic studies / Ethnicity
Where can I read a sample of The Meaning of Race?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780814755525
How long is The Meaning of Race and how many pages does it have?
The Meaning of Race has 323 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Meaning of Race?
Kenan Malik
Who is the Publisher of the book The Meaning of Race?
NYU Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Meaning of Race is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780814755525) and paperback(ISBN 9780814755532)
Where can I buy The Meaning of Race online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Meaning of Race from below
Where can I buy The Meaning of Race?