New Books in Science, Technology, and Society cover image

Helena Hansen et al., "Whiteout: How Racial Capitalism Changed the Color of Opioids in America" (U California Press, 2023)

New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

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Racial Capitalism and Drug Policy

This chapter examines the concept of racial capitalism as articulated by Cedric Robinson and its implications for the U.S. drug policy and biotech industry. It contrasts the punitive drug enforcement faced by marginalized communities with the leniency afforded to middle-class white populations, revealing how historical inequalities continue to shape contemporary drug consumption and healthcare access. The discussion includes an analysis of the historical context of opiate use, racialized drug laws, and the pharmaceutical industry's impact on societal attitudes towards addiction.

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