Routledge Race and Ethnicity in Latin American History

The Spanish and Portuguese empires that existed in the Americas for over three hundred years resulted in the creation of a New World population in which a complex array of racial and ethnic distinctions were embedded in the discourse of power. During the colonial era, racial and ethnic identities were publicly acknowledged by the state and the Church, and subject to stringent codes that shaped both individual lives and the structures of society. The legacy of these distinctions continued after independence, as race and ethnicity continued to form culturally defined categories of social life. In Race and Ethnicity in Latin American History, Vincent Peloso traces the story of ethnicity and race in Latin America from the sixteenth century to the contemporary period. In a short, synthetic narrative, he lays the groundwork for students to understand how the history of colonial racism is connected to the problems of racism in today’s Latin American societies. With features including timelines, plentiful maps and illustrations, and boxes highlighting important historical figures, the text provides a clear and accessible introduction to the complex subject of race and ethnicity in the history of Latin America. Review "Race and Ethnicity in Latin American History is a magisterial synthesis of the highest caliber. Patient in its pace, yet succinct and comprehensive, part of Peloso's accomplishment is his ability to tackle critical themes of regional development--the impact of race and ethnicity--and trace them through the sweep of history from colonial to modern times. Along the way, Peloso defines slippery concepts, connects disparate national histories, and illuminates the value of adopting a race-focused perspective towards interpreting the social relations of Latin America. An indispensable guide and introduction to the topic, Race and Ethnicity will surely emerge as an instant classic, providing essential reading for scholars, students, and curious laypersons."– Ben Vinson III, co-editor of Black Mexico: Race and Society from Colonial to Modern Times "Written in an easily accessible style, Race and Ethnicity in Latin American History implicitly and explicitly makes two very important but often overlooked points. The first is that the region is not only extremely diverse but also that each individual country is diverse geographically and demographically making generalizations inordinately difficult. The second is that throughout the history of the region race and ethnicity have played significant roles depending on time, location and political circumstances. Understanding the present reality in any given state requires an understanding of its peculiar history and circumstances."– Franklin W. Knight, editor of Slave Societies of the Caribbean "Professor Peloso offers us an important and thought-provoking way to approach the Latin American past and present. He recreates five centuries of Latin America’s history through a clear and compelling exploration of ethnic identity, race relations, and the tragic consequences of persistent racism. Peloso’s vision of a continent’s past is original, spirited, and undeniable."– Matthew Restall, author of The Black Middle: Africans, Mayas, and Spaniards in Colonial Yucatan About the Author Vincent C. Peloso is Professor of History Emeritus at Howard University.