New Books in Latin American Studies Edward Telles and PERLA, “Pigmentocracies: Ethnicity, Race and Color in Latin America” (UNC Press, 2014)
Mar 9, 2015
Edward Telles, a prominent sociologist and author, dives into the intricate dynamics of race, ethnicity, and color in Latin America. He discusses findings from his collaborative book, highlighting how skin color affects social and economic outcomes across Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. Telles examines the contrasting ideologies of mestizaje and multiculturalism, the intersectionality of race, class, and gender, and the complex realities of discrimination experienced by different populations. His insights reveal the evolving nature of racial identity amidst ongoing inequalities.
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Race and Inequality in Brazil
- Edward Telles' interest in race and ethnicity stemmed from his research on urban poverty in Brazil.
- He found that racial disparities persisted even when controlling for class, leading him to challenge the prevailing notion of racial democracy.
Pigmentocracies Project
- The book "Pigmentocracies" is a collaborative project involving researchers from four Latin American countries.
- It aims to explore the complex interplay of race, ethnicity, and color across different national contexts.
Defining Pigmentocracy
- Pigmentocracy refers to social stratification based on skin color.
- While skin color strongly predicts socioeconomic outcomes, racial self-identification doesn't always align with this hierarchy.
