For use as a basic text in courses on race and ethnic relations, minorities, or race, ethnicity and gender in sociology departments, Joseph Healey's text has perennially been one of the top-sellers in the field. The writing style and numerous features have resulted in an accessible and popular book for undergraduates. This special update of the 5th edition includes a prologue on the 2008 presidential election and the implications of Barack Obama's presidency as it relates to race and ethnicity.