The Science Of Racism
By Keon West
Based on this review from The Race Equality Centre—read the full version here.
Keon West’s The Science of Racism breaks new ground by approaching a complex and emotionally charged subject through the lens of scientific inquiry. Unlike many books that rely on individual stories to evoke empathy, West—himself a social psychologist—draws on rigorous data, psychological experiments, and neurological research to illuminate the roots, manifestations, and remedies of racism.
West’s writing style is both engaging and accessible. He clearly defines complex concepts without sacrificing academic rigor, incorporating humour and clarity to bridge the gap between scholarly work and everyday readers . This accessible tone ensures the message lands effectively, reaching a broad audience.
A major strength of the book is its deep dive into systemic racism. West dismantles the idea that racism is only a matter of individual bad actors or hurt feelings. He defines systemic racism as structural bias embedded in policies and procedures—examples include immigration systems and voter ID laws in the UK—that persist even without deliberate malice. West asserts that even if you were to remove all personal prejudice, the system itself would continue to perpetuate inequity.
West also confronts the myth of “reverse racism.” Drawing on studies showing people of colour often view interracial relationships more favourably than White people do, he highlights how systemic power imbalances shape these interactions. He stresses that hatred expressed by marginalized individuals doesn’t carry the same societal weight due to lack of institutional power .
In exploring solutions, West critiques popular corporate fixes like unconscious bias training. Studies show that while voluntary training may boost awareness short-term, mandatory sessions can trigger resistance or backlash. Instead, West highlights proven strategies like intergroup contact—cooperative interactions between different racial groups—and education reform, including improving representation in children’s literature.
The book’s backbone is its transparency and commitment to evidence: about 30% of the text is footnotes and references, and West encourages readers to explore the original studies themselves. He repeatedly emphasises that “the plural of anecdote is not data,” anchoring his arguments firmly in empirical research.
Ultimately, The Science of Racism offers a laser-focused, data-driven exploration of a deeply personal and political issue. Rather than sidestepping controversy, West tackles it head-on, providing a clear-eyed diagnosis backed by science and proposing paths to meaningful change. This is a must-read for anyone who wants more than just emotional appeals—who seeks concrete, research-backed strategies for understanding and addressing racism.
Click the link at the top to explore the full review from The Race Equality Centre.