Race, Ethnicity, and American Decline

This book explores how race prejudice has distorted American progress over the past four centuries and how to address injustice and restore the American dream. It employs historical analysis of race and ethnicity in American life from colonial to modern times.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the decline of the American dream, particularly for Black Americans, tracing the root cause to race prejudice. Spanning four centuries, this prejudice has hindered American progress and poses a threat to the nation's future. Through a comprehensive historical analysis of race and ethnicity in American life, the chapters explore different understandings of race and ethnicity in American public life and politics. They examine the implications of these understandings for addressing injustice and restoring the American dream. Drawing from a range of disciplines such as political science, history, sociology, and economics, this book serves as a valuable supplement to primary texts in upper-division courses on race and ethnicity, political sociology, public opinion, demography, and public policy.

Introduction:
The American dream, a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations, has faced a significant decline, particularly for Black Americans. This book explores the intricate factors that have contributed to this decline, shedding light on the historical roots of race prejudice that have shaped American progress over the past four centuries.

Chapter 1:
The author begins by examining the stark form of human slavery, which served as the foundation for race prejudice in America. Slavery not only deprived Black Americans of their freedom and dignity but also perpetuated economic inequality and social exclusion. The legacy of slavery continues to impact Black communities today, with systemic racism, poverty, and limited access to education and healthcare.

Chapter 2:
The book then delves into various forms of racial and ethnic discrimination that have plagued American society throughout history. From segregation and Jim Crow laws to affirmative action policies and the ongoing struggle for racial equality, these discriminatory practices have hindered Black Americans' ability to achieve the American dream. The chapters analyze the political and social consequences of these practices, highlighting the need for systemic change to address the ongoing disparities.

Chapter 3:
In the chapters that follow, the book examines the various understandings of race and ethnicity in American public life and politics. It explores how these understandings have shaped policy decisions and public opinion, perpetuating racial inequality and hindering progress toward the American dream. The authors argue that a deeper understanding of race and ethnicity is essential for developing effective policies that promote social justice and equality.

Conclusion:
The book concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the decline of the American dream. It calls for a renewed commitment to racial equality, social justice, and economic opportunity for all Americans. It also highlights the importance of education, awareness, and dialogue in dismantling race prejudice and building a more inclusive and prosperous society.

Weight: 790g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032582399