Racial formation is a concept developed by sociologists Michael Omi and Howard Winant in their 1986 book "Racial Formation in the United States." It refers to the social, economic, and political processes through which racial categories are created, inhabited, transformed, and destroyed.
According to Omi and Winant, racial formation is not a static process, but rather a constantly evolving one. It is shaped by historical, cultural, and political forces, and it is influenced by social movements, policies, and laws.
Racial formation is a multifaceted concept that encompasses a wide range of issues, including race relations, racism, white supremacy, and racial inequality. It also involves the construction and maintenance of racial identities and the ways in which these identities are negotiated and contested in society.
One important aspect of racial formation is the way in which race is used as a means of social and political control. This can take many forms, including segregation, discrimination, and violence. For example, in the United States, the system of Jim Crow laws and practices enforced racial segregation and discrimination against Black Americans for much of the 20th century. Similarly, in South Africa, the system of apartheid imposed racial segregation and discrimination against Black South Africans until the early 1990s.
Another important aspect of racial formation is the way in which race is used as a means of ideological control. This can involve the use of racial stereotypes and myths to justify racial inequality and discrimination. For example, in the United States, the myth of Black inferiority was used to justify slavery and segregation, while the myth of the "model minority" has been used to stereotype Asian Americans as hardworking and successful while ignoring the real issues of discrimination and inequality they face.
In conclusion, racial formation is a complex and multifaceted concept that refers to the social, economic, and political processes through which racial categories are created, inhabited, transformed, and destroyed. It encompasses a wide range of issues related to race relations, racism, white supremacy, and racial inequality, and it involves the construction and maintenance of racial identities and the ways in which these identities are negotiated and contested in society. Understanding this concept is essential for addressing the ongoing challenges of racial inequality and injustice in the world today.