User-friendly without sacrificing intellectual or theoretical rigor, this anthology of current research examines contemporary issues and explores new approaches to the study of race and ethnic relations. The featured readings effectively engage students by helping them understand theories and concepts. Active learning in the classroom is encouraged while providing relevance for students from all ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds. The fifth edition features ten new articles on such timely topics as: The U.S. Census' changing definition of race and ethnicity Race-based disparities in health Racial and gender discrimination among racial minorities and women Being Arab and American How social control maintains racial inequality The increase in black and brown incarceration How racial bias may affect the use of DNA to locate suspects of crimes How derogatory ethnic and racial images are created and disseminated by the media The sexualization of African American women through the use of gender stereotypes The portrayal of light- and dark-skinned biracial characters