Book Club: Superior – The Return of Race Science by Angela Saini

Where did the idea of race come from, and what does it mean? In an age of identity politics, DNA ancestry testing and the rise of the far-right, a belief in biological differences between populations is experiencing a resurgence. The truth is: race is a social construct. Our problem is we find this hard to believe.

In 'Superior', award-winning author Angela Saini investigates the concept of race, from its origins to the present day. Engaging with geneticists, anthropologists, historians and social scientists from across the globe, 'Superior' is a rigorous, much needed examination of the insidious and destructive nature of the belief that race is real, and that some groups of people are superior to others.

Content note: this book covers issues related to racism and white supremacy, which some readers may find upsetting and/or triggering.

About Book Club 

Our Book Club is open to all current and former students and staff of Loughborough University. We typically meet every six weeks to discuss a book chosen by our members. These are usually, but not always, novels. The group is continuing to meet virtually, with a group video call and a forum on Good Reads. Members are welcome to contribute through one or both of these. You will need to become a member in order to access the online meetings; details of how to do this are under the booking information on the left.

To join our Book Club, please email majordomo@lists.lboro.ac.uk. Your email must not have a title in the subject line and the email text must only say: subscribe luartsbookgroup. Following this you will receive email confirmation of your subscription with further information. From then on you will receive all emails sent to the group, including dates of future meetings, book choices and login details for the online meetings. Please join the mailing list at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date to make sure you receive the login details in time.