Troubling 'race' as a category of explanation in social science research and analysis

Abstract

In this article, we problematise the use of the concept of race as a category of social analysis and commentary as it is used by academics, government, other social analysts and commentators. We argue that the concept has, regrettably, been used in a cavalier way in political, social and educational studies to explain matters in ways that are reminiscent of apartheid science. While the concept of race is critically important for understanding the impact and effects of the strategies, policies and practices of racist states on individuals, communities and societies, globally, and for thinking about the sociopolitical effects of racism, discussions about race are often trapped in ideas that have the effect of extending the very consequences that struggles against racism have sought to eradicate. Such approaches to the concept of race are insouciant about the potential for deepening the racist vocabularies, the metaphors, descriptions and stereotypes prevalent in the racist categories employed by the apartheid state and its ideologues. While racism remains highly prevalent and visible, it is critically important that the complexities of the use of race be recognised so that its usages do not have the effect of promoting racist political and economic systems and the discourses and practices associated with them. Explanations that use race as an analytical category must ensure that they do not provide justification for the ideologies and power of racist systems.