This book introduces ten notable intellectuals who have made powerful contributions to social thought, coming from struggles with colonialism, racism, patriarchy, class, and caste. Their work crosses many genres of writing and many forms of activism. We need to widen the lens in the social sciences, and this valuable collection does exactly that.

Raewyn Connell, author of Southern Theory

This volume is a much-needed contribution to sociological theory. The editors have provided us with profiles of ten social theorists of color. The authors of each chapter bring to life the work of these neglected theorists and reveal their contemporary relevance. Furthermore, the inclusion of more applied sociologists and activists enhances our understanding of social processes and what is defined as theoretical. One especial theme of interest for readers of Symbolic Interaction that weaves throughout is that many of these theorists situate their theory in everyday experience. The book presents a convincing case for each of the theorists to be finally and fully acknowledged within social theory.

Symbolic Interaction

As demonstrated with Singhal’s work on Césaire, Neglected Social Theorists of Color’s analysis of scholarly work, literature, and scholar activism works well alongside existing or burgeoning canonical texts to widen our own intellectual horizons. These chapters remind us that grand theory need not be the only theory and that scholars benefit from reading across disciplines and texts. Educators—from lecturers and adjuncts to professors and undergraduates seeking to reconsider their theoretical scope would benefit from this work.

Sociology of Race and Ethnicity