Critical Race Theory (CRT) has become a widely discussed topic in recent years, but its origins and principles are often misunderstood. Emerging at Harvard Law School between the late 1970s and early 1990s, CRT is a framework for analyzing race and racism. While its stated aim is to examine the effectiveness of the Civil Rights Movement and related legislation in addressing racial inequality, its broader objective is to reimagine societal, cultural, and legal systems to address what it views as historical injustices.
The Core Tenets of Critical Race Theory
According to CRT, race is not a biological reality but a political construct created to maintain the dominance of one group over others. Racism, CRT argues, is not an anomaly but a normal and permanent feature of society. This belief forms the foundation of what CRT scholars call “systemic racism.”
Richard Delgado and Jean Stefancic, in their book Critical Race Theory: An Introduction (Third Edition), describe these ideas:
- Racism as Ordinary: Racism is embedded in everyday life and societal structures, making it difficult to address or eliminate.
- Interest Convergence: Racism persists because it benefits those in power—both economically for elites and psychologically for working-class groups.
This perspective leads CRT scholars to approach every aspect of society with the assumption that racism exists. As Robin DiAngelo puts it, the question is not “Did racism occur?” but rather, “How did racism manifest in this situation?” Racism is thus identified through subjective interpretation and “lived experiences,” rather than empirical evidence.
CRT’s Break with the Civil Rights Movement
Contrary to popular belief, Critical Race Theory does not align with the principles of the Civil Rights Movement, which emphasized equality, constitutional law, and gradual progress. CRT explicitly rejects these liberal values, viewing them as insufficient to dismantle systemic racism. It also challenges Enlightenment rationalism, legal reasoning, and the concept of neutrality in law, which CRT theorists believe perpetuate racial inequality.
Delgado and Stefancic argue that CRT diverges from traditional civil rights discourse by addressing not just legal and social issues but also broader contexts like history, economics, and unconscious biases. CRT critiques the liberal order itself, which it sees as inherently flawed and incapable of achieving racial justice.
CRT in Practice
Critical Race Theory has been applied in academia, activism, and policymaking, aiming to transform the relationship between race, racism, and power. Proponents argue that CRT provides a necessary lens to uncover and address systemic inequalities. Critics, however, contend that it is divisive, anti-liberal, and undermines foundational principles like equality under the law and objective reasoning.
The Ongoing Debate
The rise of CRT has sparked intense public and political debates. Advocates see it as a tool to confront entrenched racial injustices, while opponents view it as a rejection of the ideals that underpin Western democracies. Regardless of one’s perspective, CRT continues to shape conversations about race, power, and society.