The Problem of Post-Racialism

Although President Obama's election in 2008 accelerated the debate over whether American society is post-racial, in reality, the idea of a non-racial America has several manifestations, and post-racialism is a variable. Vickerman argues that whilst some manifestations are ideologically-driven, others also coincide with ideas that postulate the non-importance of race in America. Moreover, the ascent of a black president, against the backdrop of a traumatic racial history, has highlighted the black middle class's pivotal role as a symbol of racial progress. But are they post-racial?

The Problem of Post-Racialism tackles questions such as these through a combination of theory and empirical analysis.

Milton Vickerman is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Virginia, USA. His main areas of research are immigration, race, and social inequality.

1. Introduction: The Problem of Post-Racialism
2. Framing Post-Racialism
3. Post-Racialisms
4. Materializing Post-Racialism
5. The Ambivalent Black Middle Class
6. Possible Racial Futures