The We Society

S3 Ep5: The history of racism with Kenan Malik

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Episode notes

Kenan Malik is an Observer columnist, a political thinker, and a seasoned broadcaster whose work mainly focuses on moral ethics and racism. 

He joins host Will Hutton in a wide-ranging discussion on racism following the publication of his latest book, Not So Black and White: A History of Race.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Kenan sets out his case that racism is a modern concept that emerged from a post-Englightenment world. He explains how, in his view, racism could end and how the answer isn’t found in identity politics. 

Kenan Malik studied neurobiology at the University of Sussex and history and philosophy of science at Imperial College, London. His involvement in politics began by taking part in anti-racist movements during his youth. 

This is The We Society Podcast from the Academy of Social Sciences which tackles the big questions through a social science lens and brings you some of the best ideas to shape the way we live. 

Hosted by journalist and Academy President Will Hutton, we interview some of Britain’s top social scientists to explore their evidence-led solutions to society’s most pressing problems.   

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