Race and Social Policy

This book uses critical race theory to examine key social policies. Chapters give primacy to addressing the experiences of African Americans in navigating systems that are flawed by structural racism and yet too often attribute individual pathology rather than systemic injustice to the worsening life circumstances they find themselves in.

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Social policy is not blind. It has been at the forefront of perpetuating structural inequality in many of the systems charged with serving and protecting. The impact of race on social policy is linked to historical (intended and unintended) patterns of discrimination that have resulted in disparate impact for many across their life course. This book uses critical race theory to examine key social policies. The chapters give primacy to addressing the experiences of African Americans in navigating systems that are flawed by structural racism and yet too often attribute individual pathology rather than systemic injustice to the worsening life circumstances they find themselves in. Using scholarship, personal, and professional experiences, the contributors offer valuable insight on differential treatment and the resulting missed opportunities to address historical barriers that, if not addressed, will continue the cycle of harm for marginalized members in society.

The Covid-19 pandemic along with the loss of Black lives through carceral injustices have amplified the national discourse about race and social policy. Additionally, critical race theory has been championed by many as a framework for understanding the structural inequalities that plague our nation. Others have assailed the theory as promoting hate, guilt, and divisiveness. The contributors use critical race theory in combination with other theoretical frameworks to provide context for the persistent and pernicious injustices that have historically plagued society. Their work offers context with the goal of policy changes aimed at eradicating systemic injustices that negatively impact quality of life.

Race and Social Policy is a significant new contribution to understanding and addressing systemic and structural racism, and it will be of interest to researchers and advanced students of social work, politics, public policy, and sociology. This book was originally published as a special issue of the journal Social Work in Public Health.