Critical Race Theory Summary

Critical race theory is a discipline that engages in the discussion and analysis of race, its evolution and social impacts, emphasizing the need to understand race as a consequence of the dynamic social processes and challenging the ways in which race and racial power are represented and understood in the American society. Hence, the work of critical race theory seeks to question the traditional ways of studying race providing consistent analysis on the multiple dimensions of this concept.

One of the most diligent analysis is provided by Michael Omi and Howard Winant in the book Racial formation in the United States, a book in which the authors explain the transformation of race and its multiple approaches and manifestations through U.S. history, from its early conception in which it was strictly related to biological features to the current understanding of race as a social construct. In this context, the authors argue that race is a fundamental component of the U.S. society since it influenced the construction of social structures and contributed on the establishment of a system of inequalities.

Throughout the book, the authors analyze and criticize the different conceptualizations of race and the

He utilizes this term to identify a new type of racism that is not explicit, thus becoming convenient as it contributes to the myth of a post racial America. In concordance with Omi and Winant, the author understands racism in structural terms, defining racism or racial ideology as “the racially based frameworks used by actors to explain and justify (dominant race) or challenge (subordinate race or races) the racial status quo”