The black/white gaps in income, education, and wealth are expanding. Prisons are crowded with black men. There is an increasing concentration of urban poverty. While individuals and communities reject biological determinism and find bigotry offensive, structural inequalities remain. Why? Addressing this fundamental question, CarterWilson focuses on the elusive dynamics of contemporary racism.

Wilson documents the emergence of metaracism, a deeply embedded bias fueled by economic insecurity, entrenched (yet no longer publicly accepted) stereotypes, and shifts in public policy. He illustrates his argument with discussions of a broad range of policy issues. His provocative analysis offers new insights on both the roots of racism and its persistence today.