The Science of Racism

Name: The Science of Racism
Price: 26.99 AUD
Availability: PreOrder
ISBN: 9781035030675

Everything you need to know but probably don't - yet

Keon West

$26.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Picador
12 May 2026

Data analysis: general; Social discrimination; Ethnic studies; Population & demography; Human rights

'It is quite a feat to pull off a densely informative book about a horrible subject that also manages to be charismatic and funny . . . Highly readable' - The Guardian

Polls show that over fifty per cent of us don't believe racism exists. In a world made for White people, The Science of Racism uses clear scientific research to expose what we know about racism, exactly how we know it, and what we can do about it.
*British police are nine times more likely to use their tasers on Black people.
*An item being advertised on eBay will sell for approximately twenty per cent less if a dark-skinned hand is shown in the photos.
*Black Caribbean applicants have to apply for around fifty per cent more jobs in order to receive a positive response.

Professor Keon West cuts through the divisive anecdotes and rhetoric with decades' worth of clear, factual, rigorous science - the data that reveals truths about racism that we need to know. And, somehow, entertains and amuses along the way.

'Illuminating, surprising, unnerving, moving' - Sathnam Sanghera 'Short circuits the brain' - The Independent 'A book that shouldn't have to exist . . . but I'm glad it does' - Adam Rutherford

By: Keon West
Imprint: Picador
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 199mm, Width: 130mm, Spine: 21mm
Weight: 242g
ISBN: 9781035030675
ISBN 10: 1035030675
Pages: 352
Publication Date: 12 May 2026
Recommended Age: From 18 years
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Keon West is a Professor of Social Psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, and the President of the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. He has received numerous international awards for his research, teaching, media engagement and social activism. He has also appeared frequently as a psychological expert and presenter on a variety of international media platforms including the BBC World Service, BBC Radio 4, Channel 4 and The Guardian. He is especially well known for his research on prejudice, sexual orientation and sexual health. The Science of Racism is his second book.

Reviews for The Science of Racism: Everything you need to know but probably don't - yet

It is quite a feat to pull off a densely informative book about a horrible subject that also manages to be charismatic and funny . . . highly readable * The Guardian * Persuasive and precise . . . The Science of Racism is a book that shouldn't have to exist, but I am glad it does . . . The fight is real, and this book is a weapon -- Adam Rutherford * The Spectator * Urgent and timely . . . If you have never encountered any of the arguments around racism enacted by both individuals and systems, this book is, sadly, an urgent place to start * Financial Times * Illuminating, surprising, unnerving, moving . . . and, sadly, utterly necessary for this time in history -- Sathnam Sanghera, author of <i>Empireland<i> This isn’t like any other book you’ve read about racism. It is feverishly devoted to data, painting an unarguable picture of the extent and scope of racism in our society. Read this book and you’ll win every debate you’ll ever have with anyone who doubts the existence of racism -- Natasha Devon Breezy and user-friendly, with funny asides and engaging questions for the reader . . . eye-opening * Science * There are several passages in The Science of Racism that almost short-circuit the brain . . . An essential read * The Independent * Cuts through debate and rhetoric to deliver the clear and rigorous science of racism * The i * Incisive * Therapy Today * Goes straight for the jugular to dispel any doubt – racism exists, and science has proven it. * The Irish Times *