Introduction to Critical Race Theory

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a theoretical framework that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s to explain and bridge the divide between racial justice aim and social justice movements. It is a perspective that surpasses fixed conceptual, legal, and political frameworks to bring attention to the ways in which race, gender, class and other power relationships, interact to create and sustain injustice. This interdisciplinary approach has been developed, analyzed and implemented by numerous intellectuals and scholars in academia, law, professional organizations and social movements, who have sought to respond to the increasing demand for better understanding of the complexities of race and racism in contemporary society.

The Fundamental Roots of Critical Race Theory

CRT’s goal is to understand how race, racism and power interact and how they produce and perpetuate systems of oppression. The theory argues that racism is not just a series of individual acts that are wrong, but it is also a set of systems, structures and norms that are baked into the legal and social systems of a particular culture. This means that racism works as a web, instead of individual actions or discriminatory components – it is an entire system, with many dimensions and layers, that produces racial inequality. As such, it calls for an analysis that looks beyond individual attitudes and bias in order to understand the systemic nature of racism.

Critical Race Theory in Action

Critical Race Theory attempts to understand the lived experiences of people of color and the effects of racism from their perspective. The purpose is to emphasize the significant role race plays in US history and in the current racial reality of the nation, including in the legal system. CRT thus serves to expose the way certain policies and norms are used to maintain racial inequality and to propose ways to transform society in order to eliminate such inequalities and create meaningful racial justice. In turn, Critical Race theorists have been outspoken in calling upon a range of people—from legislators to activists—to do something to help alter American culture and identity so that we create an equitable, just and diverse society.

In sum, Critical Race Theory is an extremely important theoretical framework that attempts to explain and bridge the divide between race and racism, in order to improve the conditions of the nation’s marginalized communities. It is a powerful tool for challenging the existing paradigms around race and racism and for calling for meaningful and effective change.