Race and Social Policy

Social policy is not blind. It has been at the forefront of perpetuating structural inequality in many of the systems charged with serving and protecting. The impact of race on social policy is linked to historical (intended and unintended) patterns of discrimination that have resulted in disparate impact for many across their life course. This book uses critical race theory to examine key social policies. The chapters give primacy to addressing the experiences of African Americans in navigating systems that are flawed by structural racism and yet too often attribute individual pathology rather than systemic injustice to the worsening life circumstances they find themselves in. Using scholarship, personal, and professional experiences, the contributors offer valuable insight on differential treatment and the resulting missed opportunities to address historical barriers that, if not addressed, will continue the cycle of harm for marginalized members in society.

The Cov