Blackwell Reference Online

Questions about race and ethnicity have moved center stage in the social sciences and humanities. From sociology, political science, and history to literary theory, philosophy, and anthropology, race and ethnicity are the modalities through which other forms of inequality are lived and comprehended. A Companion to Racial and Ethnic Studies is the most sustained attempt to bring together a range of scholars from a variety of disciplines and theoretical perspectives to reflect on the current state of this dynamic, often contentious, field.

The Companion offers an informed and comprehensive overview of contemporary debates and issues, at once surveying the status of race and ethnic studies and pointing out new directions. Showcasing essays written by both established and emergent scholars whose work has helped to shape the content and direction of race and ethnic studies in recent times, the Companion explores six interlined themes: history, theory, political economy, space, culture, and between borders. These sections situate both the historical background and contemporary forms of racial and ethnic configuration in contemporary societies. A critical introduction highlights the key themes and questions and points to new areas of controversy and debate.