Liquid Racism - by Nathan Kerrigan & Yusef Bakkali & Damian Breen

Book Synopsis

Bauman argues that our lives are ruled by ambivalence. In this ambiguous world, liquified social structures can create an anxiety towards the 'other.'

This innovative book takes Bauman's notions of 'liquid modernity' one step further to develop a theory of 'liquid racism'. The authors show that while post-race theory argues that society is moving beyond racism, in reality, historical manifestations of racism continue. Except, society is now faced with a racism whose structures have changed.

Examining Brexit, education and black youth culture as case studies to reveal the application of liquid racism, this book makes a major contribution to our understanding of the (un)changing nature of racism.

Review Quotes

"From discussions of education through to Brexit, this book demonstrates how racism 'dissolves' into public, political, social, and cultural spheres, consequently solidifying itself in explicit violence. Scholars of race and ethnicity, as well as social theorists more broadly, will find this book incredibly interesting to read." Ali Meghji, University of Cambridge

About the Author

Nathan Kerrigan is Lecturer in Sociology at Birmingham City University.

Damian Breen is Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Birmingham City University.

Yusef Bakkali is Visiting Fellow in Sociology at Birmingham City University.