The Racial Contract

The Racial Contract argues that the society we live in is a continuing white supremacist state and that this system is imposed on non-whites through ideological conditioning and violence. It was first published in 1964 and continues to inspire, provoke, and influence thinking about the intersection of the racist underpinnings of political philosophy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2022
Publisher: Cornell University Press

The Racial Contract is a groundbreaking work that takes classic Western social contract theory to an extraordinary level of radicalism. In a comprehensive examination of European expansionism and racism over the past five hundred years, Charles W. Mills reveals how this peculiar and unacknowledged contract has shaped a system of global European dominance. He demonstrates how this contract creates the categories of whites and non-whites, full persons and sub-persons, and how it influences white moral theory and moral psychology. Moreover, Mills shows how this system is imposed on non-whites through ideological conditioning and violence.

The Racial Contract argues that our society is, in fact, a persistent white supremacist state. This assertion becomes even more apparent in this 25th anniversary edition, which includes a foreword by Tommy Shelbie and a new preface by the author. As the author himself notes, The Racial Contract continues to inspire, provoke, and influence thinking about the intersection of the racist underpinnings of political philosophy.

One of the most striking aspects of The Racial Contract is its ability to challenge the conventional understanding of the social contract. Mills argues that the social contract is not a universal or neutral concept but is, in fact, deeply rooted in the history and culture of Europe. He shows how the contract has been used to justify the exploitation and oppression of non-whites, particularly during the period of European colonialism.

Mills also delves into the psychological effects of the racial contract. He argues that the contract creates a sense of inferiority and oppression among non-whites, which can lead to a range of psychological problems, including low self-esteem, depression, and even violence. This is because the contract reinforces the idea that non-whites are inherently inferior to whites and that they are not entitled to the same rights and opportunities as whites.

In addition to its analysis of the social contract, The Racial Contract also offers a critical examination of white moral theory and moral psychology. Mills shows how the contract has been used to justify the moral superiority of whites and to deny the humanity and rights of non-whites. He challenges the notion that whites are inherently moral and that non-whites are morally inferior.

One of the most powerful aspects of The Racial Contract is its ability to inspire resistance and activism. Mills encourages readers to recognize the racist underpinnings of our society and to work towards creating a more just and equitable world. He offers a range of practical suggestions for how individuals and communities can challenge the racial contract and work towards building a more inclusive and diverse society.

In conclusion, The Racial Contract is a groundbreaking work that takes classic Western social contract theory to an extraordinary level of radicalism. Through its comprehensive examination of European expansionism and racism, Mills reveals how the racial contract has shaped a system of global European dominance and how it has perpetuated the exploitation and oppression of non-whites. The book offers a critical analysis of the social contract, white moral theory, and moral psychology, and inspires resistance and activism toward creating a more just and equitable world. As this 25th anniversary edition makes clear, the still-urgent The Racial Contract continues to inspire, provoke, and influence thinking about the intersection of the racist underpinnings of political philosophy.

Dimension: 216 x 140 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501764288
Edition number: 25th Anniversary Edition