Overview

Biologically, race does not exist. But in our social world, it remains decidedly important. Mainstream scientists embrace these truths, yet misinformation about human variation and genetics persists in our society. What is the true relationship between the two? And how should we talk about identity in science and medicine? In deeply researched, masterful prose, sociologist Rina Bliss guides us through the invention and evolution of the concept. She reveals how the myth of distinct, biological races endures in medicine, science and social policy—warping our understanding of complex topics like intelligence, disease susceptibility and behaviour. Even well-intentioned researchers add to the confusion by introducing racial analysis in contexts where it doesn’t belong, resulting in misleading reports that amplify harmful assumptions and ignore the social forces at work. At a time when misinformation about our bodies and identities is dangerously prevalent, Bliss unmasks what’s truly real about race: namely, racism’s impact on our bodies and lives. A Norton Short

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9781324123392

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Reviews

At the interfaces of science, society, and policy, this is a must-read. Rina Bliss is amazing at handling these tough topics with respect, documentation, engaging style and clarity.--George Church, professor of genetics at Harvard and MIT and author of Regenesis Passionate and powerful. An invaluable book for those working in genetics or healthcare . . . or anyone ever tempted to take a DNA ancestry test.--Angela Saini, author of Superior and The Patriarchs With personal anecdotes and deep history, this provocative account makes a forceful argument for disentangling racism from racialism, race from genetic ancestry, and for seeing race as a purely social category.--Dalton Conley, author of The Social Genome What's Real about Race? is a tour de force of scholarly research and energizing prose that dissects one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented concepts in society today. It is not just informative--it is transformative, providing essential insights that will change the way we understand and engage with the world around us.--Ruha Benjamin, author of Imagination and Viral Justice With dazzling insight that braids together culture, history, science, and memoir, What's Real About Race? deeply enriches our understanding of one of humanity's most complex and dynamic concepts. Rina Bliss bravely and meticulously debunks the most pernicious fallacies about race and shines a light on the ways it remains all too real for people's lived experiences. This is essential reading for us all.--Alondra Nelson, Science, Technology, and Social Values Lab, Institute for Advanced Study and author of author of The Social Life of DNA

Author Information

Dr. Rina Bliss is the award–winning author of Rethinking Intelligence, Race Decoded, and Social by Nature, and an associate professor of sociology at Rutgers University. She lives in Princeton, New Jersey.

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