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What Makes Systemic RacismSystemic

Bibliographic Data

ID2292016
AuthorsE Bonilla-Silva (0000-0002-4575-0134, Duke University, corresponding author), Eduardo Bonilla‐silva
Year2021
Volume91
Issue3
Pages513-533
Publication date2021-08-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociological Inquiry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0038-0245 • E-ISSN: 1475-682X
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/soin.12420
OpenAlexW3147753165
LanguageEN
Citations received85
References cited85

In this article, I clarify some components and expand a few underdeveloped ideas of theracialized social systemapproach to racial stratification. I divide the paper into three parts. In the first section, I explore the limitations of the figure of 'the racist.' In the second part, I examine the problem of change. In the third part, which is the core of the paper, I discuss what makes 'systemic racism' systemic. My main contention in this article is that the 'systemic' in 'systemic racism' means that we all participate in the reproduction of the racialized order. Furthermore, this reproduction depends fundamentally on behavior and actions that are normative, habituated, and often unconscious. Hence, systemic racism is the product of the behavior and practices of regular White folks rather than the 'racists.' In the conclusion, I discuss the implications of my claims for further theory-building, research, and the struggle for racial justice

Anti-racism · Epistemology · Normative · Racism · Reproduction · Sociology · Critical Race Theory in Education · Gender Studies · Racial and Ethnic Identity Research · Urban, Neighborhood, and Segregation Studies

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Unique citing works85
Citations per year21,25
Citation span2022 - 2026 (5)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 83
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