We’re continuing our exploration of conflict theories with W.E.B. Dubois, who is one of the founders of sociological thought more broadly and the founder of race-conflict theory. We’ll discuss shifting ideas about race, Dubois’ idea of ‘double-consciousness’, and the modern day field of racial identity. We’ll explore the idea racial formation and discuss Dubois’ survey of African Americans in Philadelphia to look at how economic, political, and social structures affect how we perceive different races – and vice versa. We’ll also discuss the activist side of Dubois’ life as co-founder of the NAACP and editor of the Crisis, and how modern day sociologists study racial politics and racial resistance.
