Race, critical race theory and whiteness

This article examines the concepts of race, racism, and whiteness from the perspective of critical theories of race and racism. The article begins with a discussion of what it means to claim that race is a social construction. Although race might not be real, a system of privilege and oppression has been built around race with real material, social, economic, and psychological consequences. In the next section, definitions of racism are delineated. The problems of viewing racism solely as prejudice are discussed. The subsequent section highlights some problems that arise when educators presume race as identity. Finally, the role of whiteness and white privilege in sustaining racial injustice is elucidated. The insights of critical theories of race and racism have the potential to open up new possibilities in education that challenge rather than reproduce power systems.