critical race theory

American  

[krit-i-kuhl reys thee-uh-ree, theer-ee] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl ˈreɪs ˌθi ə ri, ˌθɪər i /

Sometimes Critical Race Theory

noun

1. a conceptual framework that considers the impact of historical laws and social structures on the present-day perpetuation of racial inequality: first used in legal analyses, and now applied in education, communication studies, and sociology. CRT

---

Etymology

Origin of critical race theory

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

The field of critical race theory, known widely as CRT, examines the extent to which racial inequality and racism are systemically embedded in American institutions.

From Los Angeles Times

Others in the class include Peggy McIntosh, 88, an activist known for her explorations of privilege; Kimberlé Crenshaw, 63, who helped develop the academic concept of critical race theory, the idea that racism is systemic in the nation’s institutions, and Judith Plaskow, 76, regarded as the first Jewish feminist theologian for calling out an absence of female perspectives in Jewish history.

From Seattle Times

Professor Bridges is the author of three books, the most recent of which is Critical Race Theory: A Primer.

From Salon

Critical race theory is an approach to contextualizing our understanding of race.

From Salon

Cheryl Harris, a legal scholar at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a leading thinker in the field of critical race theory, has helped organize the May 3 protest.

From New York Times