44 pages • 1 hour read
Richard RothsteinThe Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein is a historical study revealing how government policies at all levels enforced residential segregation in the U.S., challenging the belief that it was due to individual choices. Rothstein details how laws and practices like zoning, redlining, and blockbusting created a significant racial wealth gap, affecting economic mobility and homeownership for African Americans. The book traces these practices from the early 20th century through to contemporary times, highlighting ongoing segregation issues despite civil rights advancements. Rothstein also proposes solutions for achieving meaningful desegregation. This book includes discussions of racial violence and systemic discrimination.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Richard Rothstein's The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America meticulously illuminates the government's role in racial segregation, earning praise for its thorough research and accessible writing. Critics note occasional repetitiveness but agree it's a vital read for understanding systematic inequality.
Who Should Read The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America ?
Readers passionate about social justice, history, and policy would find The Color of Law compelling. Comparable to Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow and Ta-Nehisi Coates' Between the World and Me, Rothstein's work enlightens those interested in understanding systemic racism's roots in government actions.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Race / Racism
History: U.S.
Sociology
Identity: Race
Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice