Critical Race Theory: An Introduction

For well over a decade, critical race theory—the school of thought that holds that race lies at the very nexus of American life—has roiled the legal academy. In recent years, however, the fundamental principles of the movement have influenced other academic disciplines, from sociology and politics to ethnic studies and history.

And yet, while the critical race theory movement has spawned dozens of conferences and numerous books, no concise, accessible volume outlines its basic parameters and tenets. Here, then, from two of the founders of the movement, is the first primer on one of the most influential intellectual movements in American law and politics.

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This small paperback introduces critical race theory to the undergraduate student (study questions conclude each chapter). The authors introduce the concept; cover the main themes of the theory<-->material determinism, revisionist interpretations of history, the critique of liberalism, and structural determinism; describe storytelling, counterstorytelling, and the narrative turn; and consider intersectionality and anti-essentialism. Delgado teaches law at the U. of Colorado in Boulder where Stefancic is a research associate in law and author. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Richard Delgado is Derrick A. Bell Fellow and Professor of Law at the University of Pittsburgh. Jean Stefancic is Derrick A. Bell Scholar and Research Professor of Law at the University of Pittsburgh. Their publications include Critical Race Theory: An Introduction and The Latino/a Condition: A Critical Reader, both published by NYU Press.