Perspectives on Race, Ethnicity, and Religion: Identity Politics in America is an introductory anthology that examines the history, current issues, and dynamics of select minority groups in the United States. While other books on these topics usually confine their coverage to African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and American Indians, this work also looks at Jewish and Muslim Americans. Another unique feature of this book is that it puts the study of diversity and identity politics in a larger context, thus providing students with a broader perspective on these issues.
Opening with an essay by the editors on change and continuity in the minority group experience, the first section of the book analyzes the effects of globalization on individual, group, and national identity. It goes on to consider the social implications of immigration, common challenges faced by immigrants, and the increasing significance of religious diversity in America. The second section expounds on the historical, legal, and political experiences of each minority group as well as their attitudes and behaviors. Taken together, the selections provide students with the context to evaluate the roles that race, ethnicity, and religion play in the outcomes of American politics. They also show how the structure and operation of our political system sometimes obstruct the efforts of these groups to gain the full benefits of freedom and equal treatment promised under the American Constitution.
Featuring contributions from authors who are not only experts in their fields--which include political science, sociology, history, and religion--but who also belong to the minority groups that they are writing about, Perspectives on Race, Ethnicity, and Religion provides students with a uniquely personal yet scientifically informed look at this significant subject.