Race

Description

Taking a comparative approach, this textbook is a concise introduction to race. Illustrated with detailed examples from around the world, it is organised into two parts. Part I explores the historical changes in ideas about race from the ancient world to the present day, in different corners of the globe. Part II outlines ways in which racial difference and inequality are perceived and enacted in selected regions of the world. Examining how humans have used ideas of physical appearance, heredity and behaviour as criteria for categorising others, the text guides students through provocative questions such as: what is race? Does studying race reinforce racism? Does a colour-blind approach dismantle, or merely mask, racism? How does biology feed into concepts of race? Numerous case studies, photos, figures and tables help students to appreciate the different meanings of race in varied contexts, and end-of-chapter research tasks provide further support for student learning.

Peter Wade is Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of Manchester.

'... an exceptionally clear and comprehensive account of race and racism. It extends across the long history of racial ideas, and ranges geographically from the US and Europe to Latin America and Africa. A fine teaching and basic reference resource.' David Theo Goldberg, University of California Humanities Research Institute 'Perhaps no subject is as pressing, controversial, and indeed unresolved as that of race. Race: An Introduction brings great clarity to this broad topic, tackling the tough issues in an accessible and deeply informed way. The book's global framework is especially valuable. Insightfully and systematically comparing the uses of the race concept around the world, and simultaneously focusing deeply on key cases such as Europe, the Americas (North and South), and South Africa, this text is an excellent choice for classroom use. Highly recommended.' Howard Winant, Director, University of California Center for New Racial Studies