audiobook Between Slavery and Capitalism: The Legacy of Emancipation in the American South by Martin Ruef in History

Description

What role should racial difference play in the American workplace? As a nation; we rely on civil rights law to address this question; and the monumental Civil Rights Act of 1964 seemingly answered it: race must not be a factor in workplace decisions. In After Civil Rights; John Skrentny contends that after decades of mass immigration; many employers; Democratic and Republican political leaders; and advocates have adopted a new strategy to manage race and work. Race is now relevant not only in negative cases of discrimination; but in more positive ways as well. In today's workplace; employers routinely practice "racial realism;" where they view race as real--as a job qualification. Many believe employee racial differences; and sometimes immigrant status; correspond to unique abilities or evoke desirable reactions from clients or citizens. They also see racial diversity as a way to increase workplace dynamism. The problem is that when employers see race as useful for organizational effectiveness; they are often in violation of civil rights law. After Civil Rights examines this emerging strategy in a wide range of employment situations; including the low-skilled sector; professional and white-collar jobs; and entertainment and media. In this important book; Skrentny urges us to acknowledge the racial realism already occurring; and lays out a series of reforms that; if enacted; would bring the law and lived experience more in line; yet still remain respectful of the need to protect the civil rights of all workers.