The Boundaries of Mixedness: A Global Perspective

The Boundaries of Mixedness explores the growing field of critical mixed race studies, bringing together research from across five continents and ten countries. It examines the hierarchy of mixedness in terms of intimacy and identity, highlighting how certain groups are deemed more or less marriable and valued differently based on race, ethnicity, caste, religion, skin color, and region. The book is a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and advanced students in Ethnic and Racial Studies, Sociology, History, and Public Policy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Boundaries of Mixedness delves into the rapidly expanding realm of critical mixed race studies, uniting a diverse range of research spanning across five continents and over ten countries. While the study of mixedness has witnessed a notable surge in interest, ongoing discussions persist regarding the precise definition and utility of the term. Despite a growing global focus on and celebration of mixedness, particularly in the media, societies worldwide are grappling with the complexities of navigating socially constructed boundaries of race, ethnicity, and other markers of difference when it comes to individuals who date, marry, form families, or explore their identities across these boundaries.

Through the comprehensive examination of ten studies included in this book, a collective finding emerges: in every context, a hierarchy of mixedness exists, both in terms of intimacy and identity. This hierarchy of intimacy shapes perceptions of marriageability and social acceptance, drawing distinctions based on factors such as race, ethnicity, caste, religion, skin color, and region. Moreover, a parallel hierarchy of identities emerges, where certain races, languages, ethnicities, and religions are accorded privileged and valued positions. These disparities arise from the unique local histories and contemporary contexts, yet they are also influenced by broader global realities that transcend geographical boundaries.

The Boundaries of Mixedness serves as a groundbreaking addition to the field of mixed race studies, offering valuable insights to academics, researchers, and advanced students in the domains of Ethnic and Racial Studies, Sociology, History, and Public Policy. This book originally appeared as a special issue of the Journal of Intercultural Studies, further contributing to the growing body of knowledge in this interdisciplinary area.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367522940