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The Social Construction of Race, Inequality, and the Invisible Role of the State

In: State Crimes Against Democracy

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  • Courtney Jensen

Abstract

Race is a seemingly simple concept. Based on superficial features such as skin color, hair texture, and facial characteristics (Appiah and Gutmann, 1996), individuals are designated into racial categories by both themselves and society. Racial categorization is neither voluntarily selected nor biologically determined, given that there are no genetic racial markers (Appiah and Gutmann, 1996). These categories are often seen as “ahistorical, unambiguous, scientifically grounded terms” when in fact they are social constructions that have changed and evolved over time (Yanow, 2003, p. 155). For example, some racial categories, such as Irish, have been subsumed under a broader category, in this instance white, while others, such as Pacific Islander, are more recently developed categories.

Suggested Citation

  • Courtney Jensen, 2013. "The Social Construction of Race, Inequality, and the Invisible Role of the State," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Alexander Kouzmin & Matthew T. Witt & Andrew Kakabadse (ed.), State Crimes Against Democracy, chapter 6, pages 135-155, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-1-137-28698-7_7
    DOI: 10.1057/9781137286987_7
    as

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