Theories of Race and Racism

Reviews / Votes

"This anthology provides a remarkable synthesis of important theoretical works in the study of race and racism. The wide range of articles coupled with the incisive framing of this changing field by the editors should prove to be invaluable to those interested in getting a firm grasp of this field." - Patricia Hill Collins, President, American Sociological Association Professor, Department of Sociology University of Maryland

"With the 2nd revised edition of Theories of Race and Racism, Les Back and John Solomos have composed a rigorous, comprehensive, and vital teaching text. The volume is very well organized around six key thematic areas, with terrifically well-informed and historically contextualized introductions to the materials, concise accounts of the principal historical and contemporary debates, and useful supplementary materials such as key questions and additional readings. Theories of Race and Racism sets the standard for teaching texts in the field." - David Theo Goldberg, University of California, USA

"The first edition of Theories of Race and Racism: A Reader was excellent. With this second edition, leading British sociologists Solomos and Back deliver one of the best collections of papers ever published on the issue. Why? First, because it combines older classical contributions and more recent top pieces of work. Second, because it contributes to transcending the disciplinary borders to reach a comprehensive understanding of race and racism. Third, because it gives the floor to different academic traditions from various parts of the words, and therefore it avoids a Western bias. Fourth, because it covers both past theoretical debates and emerging ones. This most valuable tool should be on the desk of all confirmed and up and coming scholars in the field of race and racism across the planet." - Martiniello Marco, Director, Centre d'Etudes de l'Ethnicite et des Migrations (CEDEM) Universit de Liege, Belgium

"In a field that is both longstanding and dynamic, Theories of Race and Racism is invaluable to anyone who wants to navigate the literature or quickly to acquaint themselves with the latest thinking. As leading theorists and researchers on race and racism, the editors have selected writing from all the major theorists researchers might expect, including some that is now hard to find. In addition, however, they introduce theorists that many will have missed as well as presenting new work. Their introductions to each section are extensive and assured, mapping the terrain in ways that serve to illuminate and take forward understanding of debates and turning points in the study of race and racism. Anyone who reads all 42 chapters and seven introductions will undoubtedly gain a sound overview of historical and geographical currents and contestations across a range of disciplines. Equally, those who dip into the collection will encounter the theoretical concerns that have transformed this field. The clarity of its introductions and the care with which chapters have are introduced make this collection a vital resource for academics, students and interested lay readers. Given the renewed urgency of the issues it addresses, it deserves to have wide and continuing appeal." - Ann Phoenix, Co-Director, Thomas Coram Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London This anthology provides a remarkable synthesis of important theoretical works in the study of race and racism. The wide range of articles coupled with the incisive framing of this changing field by the editors should prove to be invaluable to those interested in getting a firm grasp of this field.

Patricia Hill Collins, President, American Sociological Association Professor, Department of Sociology University of Maryland

With the 2nd revised edition of Theories of Race and Racism, Les Back and John Solomos have composed a rigorous, comprehensive, and vital teaching text. The volume is very well organized around six key thematic areas, with terrifically well-informed and historically contextualized introductions to the materials, concise accounts of the principal historical and contemporary debates, and useful supplementary materials such as key questions and additional readings. Theories of Race and Racism sets the standard for teaching texts in the field.
David Theo Goldberg, University of California, USA and author of The Racial State, and The Threat of Race: Reflections on Racial Neoliberalism.

The first edition of Theories of Race and Racism: A Reader was excellent. With this second edition, leading British sociologists Solomos and Back deliver one of the best collections of papers ever published on the issue. Why? First, because it combines older classical contributions and more recent top pieces of work. Second, because it contributes to transcending the disciplinary borders to reach a comprehensive understanding of race and racism. Third, because it gives the floor to different academic traditions from various parts of the words, and therefore it avoids a Western bias. Fourth, because it covers both past theoretical debates and emerging ones. This most valuable tool should be on the desk of all confirmed and up and coming scholars in the field of race and racism across the planet.

Martiniello Marco, Director, Centre d'Etudes de l'Ethnicite et des Migrations (CEDEM) Universit de Liege, Belgium

In a field that is both longstanding and dynamic, Theories of Race and Racism is invaluable to anyone who wants to navigate the literature or quickly to acquaint themselves with the latest thinking. As leading theorists and researchers on race and racism, the editors have selected writing from all the major theorists researchers might expect, including some that is now hard to find. In addition, however, they introduce theorists that many will have missed as well as presenting new work. Their introductions to each section are extensive and assured, mapping the terrain in ways that serve to illuminate and take forward understanding of debates and turning points in the study of race and racism. Anyone who reads all 42 chapters and seven introductions will undoubtedly gain a sound overview of historical and geographical currents and contestations across a range of disciplines. Equally, those who dip into the collection will encounter the theoretical concerns that have transformed this field. The clarity of its introductions and the care with which chapters have are introduced make this collection a vital resource for academics, students and interested lay readers. Given the renewed urgency of the issues it addresses, it deserves to have wide and continuing appeal

Ann Phoenix, Co-Director, Thomas Coram Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London