Racism and Identity in a Xenophobic World A Post-Pandemic Perspective

This book is written against the backdrop of heightened racism and xenophobia in the contemporary world. It elucidates how ‘race’ operates in racially and ethnically diverse societies and becomes a divisive force.

The book offers an interdisciplinary, multi-level model for understanding the roots of racial prejudice and hatred towards the 'other' by incorporating individual, group, institutional, and societal factors. Moreover, it elaborates on the negative effects of racism on the identity and psychological well-being of individuals and proposes strategies to counteract these issues. An empirical study conducted with Asian American and Pacific Islander communities during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the practical application of the theory. The significant increase in anti-Asian racism from 2020 to 2022 illustrates how easily xenophobia and racism can be triggered during times of rapid change, instability, and uncertainty. While the primary focus is on the USA, the study's findings are relevant to multiracial societies globally.

This book is intended for researchers and students of interdisciplinary social sciences interested in inequality, racism, and othering, as well as those studying the Asian diaspora. It is also of wider interest to anyone, especially practitioners, seeking to understand and dismantle the problem of heightened 'othering' and racism.

Understanding Core Concepts and their Origins.- Understanding the Roots of Prejudice and Racism: A Theoretical Framework.- A Case Study: Understanding Anti-Asian Prejudice and Racism in the Covid-19 Era.- Manifestations of Anti-Asian Prejudice in the Covid-19 Era: Experiences of Asian Americans.- Mental health in a Xenophobic World.- Identity and a Sense of Belonging in a Xenophobic World.- How to Confront Prejudice and Racism in a Xenophobic World.

Secil Ertorer is a Turkish-Canadian academic and an Associate Professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Environmental Studies at Canisius University, Buffalo, NY. After receiving her Ph.D. (in Sociology) and completing her post-doctoral studies (on cultural diversity) at Western University, she has taught sociology, gender studies, and honors courses in Canadian and American higher education institutions.

Her teaching and research interests include race/ethnicity, diversity, international migration, refugee studies, integration policies, social problems, and identity. She has conducted fieldwork in England, Canada, the United States, and Turkey with Kurdish, Karen, Burmese, Syrian, and Asian communities. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed books and journals, making significant contributions to the understanding of xenophobia, diversity, refugee resettlement, social integration, identity crises, and identity (re)formation. Secil is actively engaged with the community and participates in initiatives aimed at increasing awareness about race-related issues in society.