Race as a Symptom of Injustice

Abstract

It is often assumed that racial distinction – the existence of racially distinct populations within the same society – will persist after the elimination of racial injustice. This paper disputes that assumption. I adopt a framework under which racial distinction may persist due to three broad causes: racial segregation, pressure from social institutions to practice racial endogamy, and personal preferences for racial endogamy. I examine the conditions under which each of these causes is likely to obtain and argue that each is characterized by injustice. I conclude that racial distinction is a symptom of injustice, and is unlikely to persist after the achievement of racial justice.