Critical Race Theory: A Primer (Concepts and Insights)

This highly-readable primer on Critical Race Theory (CRT) examines the theory’s basic commitments, strengths, and weaknesses. In addition to serving as a primary text for graduate and undergraduate Critical Race Theory seminars or courses on Race and the Law, it can also be assigned in courses on Antidiscrimination Law, Civil Rights, and Law and Society. The book can be used by any reader seeking to understand the relationship between constructions of race and the law.The text consists of four Parts. Part I provides a history of CRT. Part II introduces and explores several core concepts in the theory―including institutional/structural racism, implicit bias, microaggressions, racial privilege, the relationship between race and class, and intersectionality. Part III builds on Part II’s discussion of intersectionality by exploring the intersection of race with a variety of other characteristics―including sexuality and gender identity, religion, and ability. Part IV analyzes several contemporary issues to which CRT speaks―including racial disparities in health, affirmative action, the criminal justice system, the welfare state, and education.