Constructions of race, place, and nation

With racism on the increase across Europe, and nationalist divisions proliferating throughout the world, "Constructions of Race, Place and Nation" offers a perspective on debates of crucial contemporary significance. Taking as its starting point the idea that "race" and "nation" are social constructions rather than natural phenomena, the book provides a sustained analysis of how these constructions vary from place to place. Covering a range of issues from nation-building, immigration and refugee policy, through land rights and housing issues, to education and policing, the book includes material from Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States. All of the authors are well versed in current social theory and they provide evidence from their own empirical research. They all employ a social constructionist approach without slavishly following a common agenda. As geographers, they share an interest in the spatial constitution of social life and in the territorial expression of racist and nationalist ideologies.; "Constructions of Race, Place and Nation" is intended for social and cultural geographers with an interest in "race" and place. It should also be of interest to political geographers, as well as social and political scientists with interests in nationalism and ethnic relations.; Peter Jackson is author of "Maps of Meaning" 1989.; This book is intended for students, researchers and libraries in race and ethnic studies throughout the social sciences. Interest will be particularly strong among social geographers.… (more)