48 pages • 1 hour read
Michael Omi, Howard WinantRacial Formation in the United States: From the 1960s to the 1990s
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1986A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Racial Formation in the United States by Michael Omi and Howard Winant analyzes the development of race and racism in America from colonization to the presidency of Barack Obama, arguing that race has crucially shaped American society and governance. The book discusses how concepts of race and identity have evolved through historical and economic influences and political activism, ultimately proposing racial formation theory to explain these dynamics. The text covers violent historical events such as colonization and enslavement, which may be distressing for some readers.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Racial Formation in the United States by Michael Omi and Howard Winant is praised for its influential analysis of race as a social construct and a structuring force in society. It is celebrated for introducing the concept of racial formation theory, although some argue it can be dense and complex. Overall, it remains a seminal and essential read for understanding racial dynamics in America.
Who Should Read Racial Formation in the United States?
Readers interested in racial theory, sociology, and U.S. history will appreciate Racial Formation in the United States by Michael Omi and Howard Winant. Ideal for those who enjoyed Ta-Nehisi Coates's Between the World and Me or Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow, it offers a deep dive into the socio-historical constructs of race in America.