Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
The work of W.E.B. Dubois left an important mark on American society and his theories surrounding the study of race in America continue on in the field of sociology today.
Key Points:
- W.E.B Dubois was a highly decorated and accomplished sociologist and one of the first proponents of race-conflict theory. He began his work at a time when race was considered a purely biological differentiation.
- After Dubois experienced the differences in how he was accepted and perceived in places such as the American south and Europe, he began to consider his own racial identity. He then began exploring the idea of double-consciousness, his feelings of being both an American and a black man in America, and the way being a part of the non-dominant race created a fractured sense of identity. This concept led directly to his work in race-conflict theory.
- In addition to racial identity, Dubois also did extensive research into the societal differences in the lives of black and white Americans. What he discovered flipped the notion of racial superiority, the common belief of the time, on its head and instead showed the problems in black communities were centered around racial prejudice. His conclusions showed that race only had power through what was given to it by society.
- These ideas eventually led later sociologists to formalize an idea called Racial Formation Theory which contends that the concept of race came about as a tool to justify and maintain the political, social, and economic power by those of European descent. Dubois’s studies also influenced the modern work of looking at class as well as race, and the societal structures that exist in black communities that keep them relegated to a certain social class.
- Dubois moved beyond just an academic look into racial identity and became a political activist and writer, co-founding the NAACP, and becoming the leading force and editor of the association’s magazine The Crisis. The NAACP and The Crisis used journalism and lawsuits to reveal the atrocities and injustices of racial prejudice in America, and ultimately helped to usher in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s.
- Much of the theories and work that W.E.B Dubois began continues today with modern sociologists. While racial relations and conflicts have changed since Dubois’ day, they are still present and it is important for us to recognize these problems and continue to work to solve them.
Quote This:
I believe in Liberty for all men: the space to stretch their arms and their souls, the right to breathe and the right to vote, the freedom to choose their friends, enjoy the sunshine, and ride on the railroads, uncursed by color; thinking, dreaming, working as they will in a kingdom of beauty and love. -W. E. B. Du Bois
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What are your experiences with racial identity? Have you or someone you are close with dealt with issues of racial identity? Explain.
- What do you see as some of the biggest struggles concerning race-conflict theory that exist today? What are some steps we personally and as a society can take to improve those struggles?
- What do you think Dubois would say about both the positive changes and new struggles concerning race in America today?
- Do you think knowing more about the history of race-conflict can help us make positive changes in today’s society? If so, how?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
This is part of the Crash Course Sociology series.
