Understanding Race and Ethnicity in Contemporary Society: A Reader provides both contemporary and historical perspectives on race and ethnicity, with a focus the development of racial and ethnic relations in the United States.

The anthology is organized into four sections. The first provides introductory perspectives that consider the social construction of race and socioeconomic disparities. The second section is devoted to understanding the patterns of race and ethnicity through consideration of theoretical viewpoints. The third section explores the development of racial and ethnic patterns by looking at some of the historical evidence. The fourth and final section examines key issues in racial and ethnic inequality. Specific topics include the racialization of poverty, institutionalized racism, segregation, and some attention focused on the social institutions of religion, sports, family, and education. The sections and readings all feature an original introduction, as well as discussion questions.

Understanding Race and Ethnicity in Contemporary Society is intended to supplement standard texts on race and ethnicity. It is well suited to courses that focus on contemporary racial and ethnic relations, and those that explore the history of race and ethnicity.