When Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America
When Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Brief
BetaWhen Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2006272
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 20th century
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In When Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America, Ira Katznelson examines how U.S. policies favored white individuals, leading to racial inequality. The book explores government actions, such as the New Deal and GI Bill, that disproportionately benefited white people, highlighting systemic discrimination's long-term impact on African Americans.
Informative
Challenging
Unnerving
Mysterious
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
2,765 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ira Katznelson's When Affirmative Action Was White offers a compelling and detailed exploration of racial inequality in 20th-century America, highlighting systemic discrimination in policy-making. While praised for rigorous analysis and historical depth, some critics note its dense academic prose. Overall, it is an enlightening but challenging read.
Who Should Read When Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America?
Readers interested in When Affirmative Action Was White likely enjoy exploring racial inequality and historical injustices in America. Similar readers engage with The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander and White Rage by Carol Anderson for deeper insights into systemic discrimination.
2,765 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
272
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 20th century
2006
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!