56 pages • 1 hour read
George LipsitzThe Possessive Investment in Whiteness: How White People Profit from Identity Politics
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1998A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Possessive Investment in Whiteness by George Lipsitz is a collection of essays exploring the racial hierarchy in American society that advantages white individuals by combining private prejudice and public policy. Lipsitz investigates the historical and contemporary mechanisms of institutionalized racism affecting housing, employment, education, and beyond, arguing that seemingly race-neutral policies perpetuate white supremacy. The book also examines media representation, alliances among racial minorities, and the intersection of race with other factors like class, sexual orientation, and gender. Topics include racism, racist brutality, and murder.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Lipsitz's The Possessive Investment in Whiteness insightfully explores systemic racial inequality and the societal dominance of whiteness. Praised for its thorough research and compelling arguments, some critics note its dense academic prose may challenge general readers. Overall, it’s a pivotal text in understanding racial privilege and social justice.
Who Should Read The Possessive Investment in Whiteness?
Readers of The Possessive Investment in Whiteness by George Lipsitz likely include sociologists, historians, and activists interested in racial inequality and systemic racism. Comparable works include Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow and Robin DiAngelo's White Fragility.