Superior: The Return of Race Science

Superior (book) cover

Superior: The Return of Race Science

Superior: The Return of Race Science is a book written by Angela Saini, a British science journalist. The book was published in 2019 and explores the resurgence of scientific racism in contemporary society. It critically examines the history and current state of race science, debunking myths and highlighting the dangers of pseudoscientific claims about racial differences.

Overview

Superior delves into the historical context of race science, tracing its origins back to the 18th and 19th centuries when scientists attempted to categorize humans into distinct racial groups. The book discusses how these early theories were used to justify colonialism, slavery, and eugenics.

Angela Saini argues that despite being discredited, race science has made a troubling comeback in recent years. She investigates how modern genetic research is sometimes misinterpreted or misused to support racist ideologies. The book also addresses the role of the media and certain academic institutions in perpetuating these ideas.

Key Themes

Historical Context

The book provides a detailed account of the history of race science, including the work of early scientists like Carl Linnaeus and Johann Friedrich Blumenbach. It explains how their classifications laid the groundwork for later theories that sought to establish a hierarchy of races.

Modern Resurgence

Saini explores how contemporary figures and groups have revived race science, often under the guise of genetics and evolutionary biology. She examines the influence of these ideas in various fields, including medicine, sociology, and anthropology.

Ethical Implications

The book discusses the ethical implications of race science, particularly in terms of its impact on public policy and social attitudes. Saini emphasizes the importance of scientific integrity and the need for vigilance against the misuse of scientific research.

Reception

Superior received widespread acclaim for its thorough research and compelling narrative. Critics praised Saini for her ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience. The book has been described as a crucial read for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of science and society.

Author

Angela Saini is an award-winning science journalist and author. She has written for various international publications and has appeared on numerous radio and television programs. Her other notable works include Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong and Geek Nation: How Indian Science is Taking Over the World.

See Also

• Scientific racism
• Eugenics
• Genetics
• Angela Saini
• Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong
• Geek Nation: How Indian Science is Taking Over the World