Racial Formation Theory

Introduction

• Developed by: Michael Omi and Howard Wynott
• Presented in: "Racial Formation in the United States" (1986)
• Purpose: To understand racial dynamics in society

Definition

• Racial Formation: The socio-historical process by which racial identities are created, lived out, transformed, and destroyed.
• Key Component: Making and unmaking of racial categories and imbuing them with meaning.

Role of Power

• Creators of Racial Categories: Power holders, such as the government.
• Example: Proposals to add "Middle Eastern and North African" and "Hispanic" as new racial categories in the U.S. Census.
• Effect: Can reinforce or alleviate racial inequality.

Government's Role

• Reinforcement of Inequality: Through actions like redlining areas where African Americans lived, affecting their ability to build wealth.
• Alleviation of Inequality: Through policies like affirmative action.

Racial Projects

• Definition: Efforts to organize and distribute resources along racial lines.
• Types:
  • Racial Projects: May or may not exacerbate racial inequality.
  • Racist Projects: Exacerbate existing racial disparities.

Examples

• Legislative Redistricting:
  • If it limits voting power of African Americans: a racist project.
  • If it ensures fair distribution of voting power: a non-racist racial project.

Transition in U.S. Racial Dynamics

• From Racial Dictatorship to Racial Democracy:
  • Historical Context: Periods like slavery and Jim Crow where inequality was legally enforced.
  • Modern Context: Legal segregation has ended, but racial inequality persists.

Theoretical Framework

• Gramsci's Influence: Transition from domination (direct rule) to hegemony (rule by consent and coercion).
• Current Era: Racial hegemony, where disparities are maintained via consent and coercion, not force.

Conclusion

• Omi and Wynott's Argument: The U.S. is in a slow transition from a racial dictatorship to a racial democracy.

Reflection

• Question posed: Does racial formation theory help us better understand racial dynamics in our society?