Perspectives in Race and Ethnic Relations : Myths, Issues, and Current Controversies

Perspectives in Race and Ethnic Relations: Myths, Issues, and Current Controversies examines timely and important issues related to race and ethnicity in the United States and globally. Through a collection of scholarly research articles, students are encouraged to think critically about issues of conflict and other challenges individuals must overcome in order to achieve a sense of belonging in society. 

Section I features readings on the challenges ethnic minorities, including Native Americans, Asians, and Mexicans, endure in the U.S. In Section II, students examine historical accounts of immigration to America by various groups, including Arab and Mexican populations. Section III explores the significance of the concepts of race and ethnicity as they pertain to various groups of people in society and whether or not a person’s “color” carries more weight than it should. The readings in Section IV explore challenges faced by law enforcement officials when policing diverse communities. Finally, Section V discusses the differences in voting and elections in the U.S. when comparing individuals of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. 

Interdisciplinary in nature, Perspectives in Race and Ethnic Relations is ideal for courses in race and ethnicity, ethics, political science, sociology, and other disciplines in the social sciences and humanities.

Reem A. Abu-Lughod earned a doctorate in urban policy and public administration with emphasis in criminology and criminal justice and a master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Texas-Arlington. She is a professor at California State University, Bakersfield, where she teaches courses in criminal justice, including ethics, terrorism, policy making, and race and ethnicity. Dr. Abu-Lughod’s current research interests focus on terrorism and counterterrorism, social justice, gender and crime, and cultural and religious sensitivity issues.