Culture of Prejudice: Arguments in Critical Social Science - Softcover

Blackwell, Judith C.; Smith, Murray E.G.; Sorenson, John S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1551114909 ISBN 13: 9781551114903

Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Higher Education Division, 2003

Synopsis

Contesting the putative "even-handedness" of many introductory social science texts, this innovative book presents strong and provocative arguments on contemporary social issues that will stimulate readers to think critically. The principal theme of the book is that social science is at its best, and most exciting, when it confronts and refutes "cultures of prejudice"—intricate systems of beliefs and attitudes that sustain many forms of social oppression and that are, themselves, sustained by ignorance and fear of the unknown and the unfamiliar. Such a critical social science, it is argued, can make an important contribution to promoting human freedom and extending human capacities.

Discussions range from the personal to the political, the national to the global, encompassing social policy analysis (law, health, and welfare), the status of women, and animal liberation, as well as nationalism, racism, political ideology, the global economy, and terrorism. This passionately argued book is an excellent supplementary text for undergraduate social science students, as well as a stimulating read for all those open to hard-hitting confrontations with conventional wisdom. Beginning each chapter with an aphorism, anecdote, or quotation that reflects, illustrates, or challenges particular prejudices, the authors offer concise critical discussions of the issues, informed by some of the best research and thought in the social scientific literature.

About this title

About the Author

Judith C. Blackwell is a faculty member in the Department of Sociology at Brock University. She is the co-editor of Illicit Drugs in Canada: A Risky Business (Nelson). She has also served as an advisor on drug laws and drug policy in Canada and England.

Review

Prejudice is playing its part in bringing humanity to the abyss... -- Bryan D. Palmer, Canada Research Chair, Trent University

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Higher Education Division
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1551114909
• ISBN 13: 9781551114903
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 368