Ideas and Institutions in Race Politics

Abstract

The politics of race is generally viewed as a conflict among ideas about color blindness and race politics. By contrast, analysts of policymaking generally consider political institutions to be the primary factor behind policy outcomes. Recent developments in American race policy, particularly the evolution and political career of affirmative action, defy both ideational and institutional characterizations. A perspective that incorporates both ideas and institutions provides a more accurate and nuanced account of American race policy.