Abstract

The purpose of this Essay is two-fold: first, to recall Critical Race Theory to its materialist roots and second, to encourage it to consider making common cause with the incipient movement for economic democracy. I begin by demonstrating, through examples and argument, that idealist theories like [Professor Charles R.] Lawrence's, which explain racial dynamics in terms of thoughts, words, and internal urges, are analytically incomplete. I will then argue that attending to the material side of race and racism confers a number of benefits, while at the same time avoiding numerous drawbacks associated with the idealist approach. Finally, I will demonstrate that the approach I have recommended enhances the analysis of certain recurring social problems.