The return of race science and why it matters for family science

Race science attributes differences in human populations to biology and genetics that reflect a hierarchy of human races with whiteness at its pinnacle. This article examining the history of race science and current family scholarship and practice contends that race science matters for family scienc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of family theory & review 2022-09, Vol.14 (3), p.442-462
Main Authors: Chatters, Linda M., Taylor, Robert Joseph, Schulz, Amy J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
eugenics
life course
Original
Problematizing the Family Sciences
structural racism
Systemic racism
white supremacy
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Summary:Race science attributes differences in human populations to biology and genetics that reflect a hierarchy of human races with whiteness at its pinnacle. This article examining the history of race science and current family scholarship and practice contends that race science matters for family science. We discuss (1) white supremacy, the development of race science, and the eugenics movement in the U.S.; (2) racism, racialized experiences, and oppression of Black families in the U.S.; (3) the construction of whiteness in family science and re‐envisioning theories to make racism's impact visible; (4) racial reckonings for professional organizations; and (5) why race science matters for family science and a call to action. Clarity about the meaning of race can ensure that family science addresses white supremacy and racism embedded in scholarship, training, and practice, and promotes work that supports the well‐being of families that are most vulnerable and marginalized.
ISSN:1756-2570
1756-2589
DOI:10.1111/jftr.12472