The Making of White American Identity

The Making of White American Identity explores how whiteness has become a basis for collective identification and collective action in the United States, tracing the historical contexts and social conditions under which individuals and groups move through this process.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 14 November 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In his groundbreaking work, "The Making of White American Identity," Ron Eyerman delves into the intricate and profound journey of how whiteness has evolved into a powerful force for collective identification and collective action in the United States. Drawing upon his extensive research on the formation of African American identity, as well as cultural trauma theory, collective memory, and social movements, Eyerman offers a comprehensive account of how and under what circumstances a collective sense of whiteness emerges. He explores the historical and contemporary events that have shaped the construction of American identity, including the Civil War, the Civil Rights movement, the election of a Black president, the Charlottesville confrontation, and the violent conflict at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Through meticulous analysis, Eyerman reveals how these events have revitalized the trauma narratives rooted in the nation's founding tensions, mobilizing social forces around the ideology of white superiority and white consciousness.

By tracing the historical contexts and social conditions that influence individuals and groups in this process, Eyerman provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the evolution of white identity in America. He sheds light on the ways in which race has been used as a tool for social control and exclusion, as well as the ways in which individuals and groups have resisted and challenged these narratives. Eyerman also offers a forward-looking perspective on the prospects of the ideology of white supremacy as a political force in the United States. He questions whether this ideology can continue to sustain itself in the face of growing diversity and social progress, and explores the potential consequences of its continued presence.

In conclusion, "The Making of White American Identity" is a seminal work that offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the complex and evolving nature of whiteness in American history. Through his interdisciplinary approach, Eyerman provides valuable insights into the historical, social, and political factors that have shaped the collective identity of white Americans, and challenges us to consider the ongoing implications of this identity for our society.

Weight: 436g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197658949