Race, ethnicity and culture are concepts that are interpreted in various and often contradictory ways. This dictionary provides the historical background and etymology of a wide range of words related to these concepts and ideas.

Since the 1993 publication of the third edition of the Dictionary of Race and Ethnic Relations, events have continued to change the way in which race and ethnicity are viewed. The trial of O. J. Simpson; the publication of The Bell Curve; and the continuing attacks on Affirmative Action have all affected the ways in which race and the surrounding issues of racism and identity have been reported in the media and studied in the classroom. The Dictionary of Race and Ethnic Relations covers a range of national and international topics which have been written by a distinguished group of experts on race and ethnicity. The reader will find new articles covering recent events, historical and theoretical perspectives and important figures. Over half of the book has been revised or rewritten and all of the articles include fully-updated lists of further reading.

The book comprises essays, each highlighting a particular word or term germane to the study of race and ethnic studies.

This encyclopedia offers a comprehensive look at the roles race and ethnicity play in society and in our daily lives. Over 100 racial and ethnic groups are described, with additional thematic essays offering insight into broad topics that cut across group boundaries and which impact on society.

"A conceptually power-packed volume that is at once erudite and accessible, expansive and focused, true to sociological traditions yet stimulatingly exploratory. Scholars and students will be served very well by this absorbing, far-reaching enquiry into ethnicity and race." - Raymond Taras, Tulane University "This concise, profound, and beautifully written book offers a tour de force across the landscape of race and ethnicity by a young author who masters them all." - Per Mouritsen, Aarhus University This book offers an accessible discussion of both foundational and novel concepts in the study of race and ethnicity. Each account will help readers become familiar with how long standing and contemporary arguments within race and ethnicity studies contribute to our understanding of social and political life more broadly. Providing an excellent starting point with which to understand the contemporary relevance of these concepts, Nasar Meer offers an up-to-date and engaging consideration of everyday examples from around the world. This is an indispensable guide for both students and established researchers interested in the study of race and ethnicity.

Provides the historical background and etymology of a wide range of words related to the concepts of race, ethnicity and culture, while looking at discourses on these concepts from a broadly multicultural perspective.

This important book provides a novel perspective on ethnicity, nationality, and race by considering how they are shaped by their geography. Exploring the complicated terrain of ethnicity through an expansive global perspective, David H. Kaplan traces the spatial arrangements that convey such potent meaning to the identity and opportunities of members of any cultural group. With examples from around the world, the author considers the most important aspects of ethnicity—from segregation to place making to multiculturalism, culture regions, diasporas, and transnationalism. He frames ethnicity as a contingent phenomenon, showing how context and place determine the position, definitions, behaviors, and attitudes toward and by members of an ethnic group. Drawing on an impressive depth of historical and empirical detail, Kaplan’s analysis of the critical role of ethnicity in everyday geographies makes a major contribution to the field.