Culture of Prejudice: Arguments in Critical Social Science

by Judith Blackwell, Murray Smith

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.

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for an art history paper. It is a collection of essays, each essay written by one of the three authors, and each essay is debunking a myth in economics. I knew nothing about economics going into this paper so read a few books to get me up to speed. I have to say, this book was among my two faves on the topic! The essays were divided into sections, so I first read all of the ones on poverty (my paper was on art and poverty) and enjoyed them so much I went back and read the rest of the book. Even though they weren’t all directly about poverty, they were all about social issues and how they relate to economics. I bought it used from Amazon and am glad to own it so I can go back and refer to again in the future.

[Kshab102 · Rating 4 out of 5]

My all time fave non fiction read- I love that the chapter for each title is a common/ignorant belief that the authors then debunk. Pulls from a lot of current events that only want to make you research further.