From Whiteness to Colorblind Public Polices: Racial Formation and Urban Development

• In Event: 130 - Section on Racial and Ethnic Minorities Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 08. Racial and Ethnic Poltics/Policy

Abstract

In this contemporary era, as US society attempts to move toward racial equality, there is major disagreement among scholars regarding the degree to which public policies contribute to racial inequality. Discussion of a post-racial society and colorblind ideology suggests that racial discrimination has been greatly reduced, while research on whiteness and systemic racism asserts that racial discrimination remains deeply imbedded in US institutions. Using three case studies involving development in Southern California, I contribute to this debate by documenting and analyzing shifts in public views toward race, how those changing views are translated into public policies, and the racial effects of those policies.

Author

• Leland T. Saito, University of Southern California