This highly readable sociological account of the Chippewa treaty rights controversy in Wisconsin (mid 1970s-early 1990s) might have been another insightful social history of similar moments and processes in U.S. history, but its unique account also draws on survey research, bringing an additional layer of nuance to the analysis. Sociologists Bobo and Tuan examine the politicization of ethnic and racial boundaries, then explore and extend the 'prejudice as group position' approach originally associated with Herbert Blumer, and more recently extended by scholars like Tomis Almaguer. Blumer argued that racial prejudice could not be explained solely by individual psychological factors, ignorance, or irrational feelings of animosity. Instead, group position feeds and shapes prejudiced attitudes. The book is an accessible but sophisticated account that extends discussion of dominant race-relations frameworks (often focused on black-white issues) to Native Americans, who are treated as 'racial others' in much the same ways that African Americans are, though with a number of specificities.
   --G. Baiocchi, Choice

This highly readable sociological account of the Chippewa treaty rights controversy in Wisconsin (mid 1970s-early 1990s) might have been another insightful social history of similar moments and processes in US history, but its unique account also draws on survey research, bringing an additional layer of nuance to the analysis...The book is an accessible but sophisticated account that extends discussion of dominant race-relations frameworks (often focused on black-white issues) to Native Americans, who are treated as 'racial others' in much the same ways that African Americans are, though with a number of specificities...Some of the book's more intriguing insights are those that make parallels between anti-black racism and the languages of distinction and moral superiority that antagonistic whites deploy against Native Americans.
   --G. Baiocchi, Choice

Prejudice in Politics is a unique contribution to the literature of race and ethnicity, and in particular, the literature dealing with racial prejudice. It is an important work because it expands the discourse about prejudice and racism in American society beyond the usual bounds of black-white relations. It will be widely read and cited by scholars interested in American Indian Studies as well as by scholars in anthropology, political science, psychology, and sociology.
   --C. Matthew Snipp, Stanford University

This book will be among the most important works in the area of racial politics appearing in recent years. It offers important new empirical data, explores a racial conflict that has not received attention in the past, and provides an important advance in theorizing about inter-group conflict.
   --Martin Gilens, Princeton University

photo of Lawrence Bobo (top) by Jon Chase / Harvard News Office; photo of Mia Tuan (below) by Jack Liu

Mia Tuan is Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Oregon.

Read More by Lawrence D. Bobo:

• Racial Attitudes in America: Trends and Interpretations, Revised Edition
• Racial Attitudes in America: Trends and Interpretations