In this frank, funny, and meticulous book, a leading social scientist lays out the striking facts we know about racism, how we have uncovered them, and how we can start to fix them. "A timely antidote to a set of beliefs that are on track to becoming conventional wisdom in the U.S.” (Fast Company)
Studies and surveys show, time and again, that about 50 percent of people believe that racism is no longer an issue today. The other half would disagree—vehemently.
And much of the writing on the subject of race and racism is equally divisive, in large part because so much of it is based on opinion and personal experience. It’s not grounded in empiricism. It’s not science.
In The Science of Racism, social psychologist Keon West corrects that idea, moving this urgent conversation beyond anecdote and polemic in search of conclusive answers and solutions.
Starting with a fascinating look at experiments around race in hiring, Dr. West brilliantly and methodically walks readers through our comprehensive understanding of this controversial topic. He looks at how racism impacts every stage and all facets of life, from birth to death, in education, work and business, friendships and relationships, police and the justice system, and healthcare.
He also looks at the challenges around studying these questions and the ways we can uncover the truth, and then where we go from here: why unconscious bias training can actually make things worse, and what systems and techniques can lead us to a more equitable future.
Praise
“Illuminating, surprising, unnerving, moving... and, sadly, utterly necessary for this time in history.”
—Sathnam Sanghera, international bestselling author of Empireland: How Imperialism Has Shaped Modern
"It is quite a feat to pull off a densely informative book about a horrible subject that also manages to be charismatic and funny . . . highly readable."
—The Guardian
"A data-driven portrait of racism exposes the persistent reality of racial biases… eye-opening.”
—Science
“Keon West wrote his new book, The Science of Racism, to bring empirical evidence to the racism discourse. It couldn’t come at a more perfect time…. It’s a statistics-packed tour through the rigorous world of scientific studies about racism in the workplace and beyond. It also happens to be a timely antidote to a set of beliefs that are on track to becoming conventional wisdom in the U.S.”
—Fast Company
"Persuasive and precise . . . The Science of Racism is a book that shouldn't have to exist, but I am glad it does . . . The fight is real, and this book is a weapon."
—Adam Rutherford, The Spectator
"Urgent and timely . . . If you have never encountered any of the arguments around racism enacted by both individuals and systems, this book is, sadly, an urgent place to start."
—Financial Times
"There are several passages in The Science of Racism that almost short-circuit the brain . . . An essential read."
—The Independent
