Theories of Racial Formation

Theories of racial formation explain how ideas about race are created and changed over time through social, political, and economic processes. They argue that race is not just biological but a social construct shaped by historical events, laws, and cultural beliefs. These theories highlight that racial categories are fluid, influenced by power dynamics and societal needs, rather than fixed or natural. Overall, racial formation emphasizes that race is ongoing and shaped by human actions, shaping how societies organize and understand identity and inequality.