New Books in Sociology
Michael Rosino, "Democracy Is Awkward: Grappling with Racism Inside American Grassroots Political Organizing" (UNC Press, 2025)
Apr 21, 2025
Michael Rosino, an assistant professor at Malloy University, dives into the complex dynamics of grassroots political organizing in America. He discusses how progressive groups often fail to achieve racial equity due to the reluctance of white members to share power. With insights from his ethnographic research, he highlights the paradox of predominantly white organizations advocating for inclusivity. Rosino emphasizes the importance of multiracial coalitions to overcome barriers to inclusion and strengthen grassroots democracy.
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Quick takeaways
- Grassroots political organizations often exhibit a 'racial awkwardness' that hampers true inclusivity and power-sharing among diverse members.
- Participants of color emphasize the need for internal education and restructuring to overcome systemic barriers and foster genuine engagement.
Deep dives
Exploring Racial Awkwardness in Grassroots Political Organizing
Grassroots political organizations often present themselves with a strong commitment to racial equality, yet their membership and leadership disproportionately reflect whiteness. This contradiction arises from what is termed 'racial awkwardness,' where members, despite advocating for inclusivity, find themselves entrenched in a consensus shaped by their shared identities and comfort zones. The tendency to maintain familiarity leads to a reluctance to engage with broader, diverse communities, resulting in systemic barriers to true inclusion. This dynamic fosters a constrained consciousness among participants, making them struggle to envision alternative pathways for collaboration and solidarity.
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