48 pages • 1 hour read
Racial Formation in the United States: From the 1960s to the 1990s
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Book Brief
Racial Formation in the United States
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1986240
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 1980s
1986
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Racial Formation in the United States by Michael Omi and Howard Winant analyzes the development of race and racism in America from colonization to the presidency of Barack Obama, arguing that race has crucially shaped American society and governance. The book discusses how concepts of race and identity have evolved through historical and economic influences and political activism, ultimately proposing racial formation theory to explain these dynamics. The text covers violent historical events such as colonization and enslavement, which may be distressing for some readers.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
1,352 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Racial Formation in the United States by Michael Omi and Howard Winant is praised for its influential analysis of race as a social construct and a structuring force in society. It is celebrated for introducing the concept of racial formation theory, although some argue it can be dense and complex. Overall, it remains a seminal and essential read for understanding racial dynamics in America.
Who Should Read Racial Formation in the United States?
Readers interested in racial theory, sociology, and U.S. history will appreciate Racial Formation in the United States by Michael Omi and Howard Winant. Ideal for those who enjoyed Ta-Nehisi Coates's Between the World and Me or Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow, it offers a deep dive into the socio-historical constructs of race in America.
1,352 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Howard Winant
Howard Winant
A sociologist born in 1946, Winant co-authored alongside Michael Omi, with research interests in race and racism. He was involved with various ethnic studies departments at UC Santa Barbara.
240
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 1980s
1986
Adult
18+ years
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