Racism in the United States : Implications for the Helping Professions

This second edition of the highly praised and widely adopted text continues to guide students in examining their own social identities and how they interact with others using the lens of critical race theory. It is written for students entering the helping professions who must incorporate an understanding of racism into their relationally based work with clients and patients, organizations and communities. The second edition encompasses the many changes in socio-political context and conceptual thinking about race and racism that have taken place since the first edition was published. It features a reconceptualization of racial identity formation, and updates information on the intersectionality of racism to incorporate other identities and social oppressions. Also included are new case examples and additional experiential exercises to reinforce learning.Integrating theory, research, and practice, the text analyzes all levels of racism, from personal to institutional, and presents concrete facts about how racism affects people's lives, and the ways that systemic racism undergirds and reinforces both interpersonal and structural racism. It speaks to students of all races and ethnicities, and comprehensively tackles a challenging topic in an accessible and sensitive manner. Its approachable presentation fosters self-reflection and helps instructors to ease students into a difficult topic. The book fulfills NASW and CSWE requirements for cultural competence. New to the Second Edition: Every chapter fully updated to reflect recent socio-political changes Updates "the web of racism" Updates information on the intersectionality of racism to incorporate other identities and social oppressions Integrates post-modern, post-structural, and post-colonial theory Discusses the Obama presidency and the concept of a "post-racial America" Considers current immigration issues and debates Includes Islamophobia in its analysis of racism Addresses the murders of young men of color by police Analyzes the racialization of the criminal justice system Discusses the intersection between class, gender, sexual orientation, disability and racism Adds new information related to neurobiology and psychological theories Key Features: Speaks to students, instructors, and practitioners of all racial and ethnic identities Examines social identity using a critical race theory framework Comprehensively analyzes all levels of racism, from personal to institutional Includes valuable case examples and experiential exercises to engage students and enhance learning In addition to offering thoughtful, insightful analyses of racism, the book offers strategies, solutions and hope. Teaches students how to respond to racism in a range of contexts - working with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Envisions all anti-racism activists as potential teachers and includes a chapter about how to teach about race and racism. Presents complex and difficult topics in a readable and accessible way