The book "Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson is a significant work in the field of social sciences that addresses the invisible caste system in the United States. Wilkerson, a Pulitzer Prize winner, analyzes how these hierarchies shape people's lives and the power structures involved. In her book, the caste system is described as a kind of invisible guide that assigns individuals to predetermined roles. The author provides an in-depth analysis and sheds light on the mechanisms behind social inequalities. "Caste" has been recognized by numerous prestigious publications as one of the best books of the year and is an essential work for anyone interested in social issues and American society. Wilkerson's new afterword offers additional insights and reflections on the ongoing impacts of the caste system in contemporary times.
The book "Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson is a significant work in the field of social sciences that addresses the invisible caste system in the United States. Wilkerson, a Pulitzer Prize winner, analyzes how these hierarchies shape people's lives and the power structures involved. In her book, the caste system is described as a kind of invisible guide that assigns individuals to predetermined roles. The author provides an in-depth analysis and sheds light on the mechanisms behind social inequalities. "Caste" has been recognized by numerous prestigious publications as one of the best books of the year and is an essential work for anyone interested in social issues and American society. Wilkerson's new afterword offers additional insights and reflections on the ongoing impacts of the caste system in contemporary times.
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Prices last updated 28 Sept 2026.
Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
The book "Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson is a significant work in the field of social sciences that addresses the invisible caste system in the United States. Wilkerson, a Pulitzer Prize winner, analyzes how these hierarchies shape people's lives and the power structures involved. In her book, the caste system is described as a kind of invisible guide that assigns individuals to predetermined roles. The author provides an in-depth analysis and sheds light on the mechanisms behind social inequalities. "Caste" has been recognized by numerous prestigious publications as one of the best books of the year and is an essential work for anyone interested in social issues and American society. Wilkerson's new afterword offers additional insights and reflections on the ongoing impacts of the caste system in contemporary times.
The book "Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson is a significant work in the field of social sciences that addresses the invisible caste system in the United States. Wilkerson, a Pulitzer Prize winner, analyzes how these hierarchies shape people's lives and the power structures involved. In her book, the caste system is described as a kind of invisible guide that assigns individuals to predetermined roles. The author provides an in-depth analysis and sheds light on the mechanisms behind social inequalities. "Caste" has been recognized by numerous prestigious publications as one of the best books of the year and is an essential work for anyone interested in social issues and American society. Wilkerson's new afterword offers additional insights and reflections on the ongoing impacts of the caste system in contemporary times.
Last updated at 28/09/2026 02:00:27
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
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Caste: The International Bestseller Wilkerson, Isabel Isabel Wilkerson, [New] [Softcover]
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Caste
Delivery between 29 Sept – 6 Oct $9.95
originally posted on ebay.com
Isabel Wilkerson uses her very readable writing style to attempt to compare Nazi Germany, and India's religious social structure to America's deliberate and destructive "Caste" system, created by white Americans for their benefit. As with so many black authors, the first 160 pages are all about pre-1950 history and slavery, as if this is somehow justification for behavior today of ANY people. Unfortunately, the notion that Blacks in America are oppressed by White people doesn't really make sense. Rather than being discriminated against, American Blacks enjoy special rights, privileges, and advantages that are unavailable to White Americans. These advantages extend into every aspect of Americas public life and can be traced to legislation passed back in the 1960s. A ... MoreIsabel Wilkerson uses her very readable writing style to attempt to compare Nazi Germany, and India's religious social structure to America's deliberate and destructive "Caste" system, created by white Americans for their benefit. As with so many black authors, the first 160 pages are all about pre-1950 history and slavery, as if this is somehow justification for behavior today of ANY people. Unfortunately, the notion that Blacks in America are oppressed by White people doesn't really make sense. Rather than being discriminated against, American Blacks enjoy special rights, privileges, and advantages that are unavailable to White Americans. These advantages extend into every aspect of Americas public life and can be traced to legislation passed back in the 1960s. A system of racial privileges for blacks was forced on universities, employers, and the population. Less qualified blacks were given preference over more qualified whites in university admissions, employment and promotion. Freezes are used against white admissions, employment, and promotion until racial balance is achieved. Rather than being institutionally oppressed, American Blacks have been accorded a whole array of institutional advantages over Whites. This represents a truly remarkable state of affairs because it stands as the only known instance in history whereby a racial majority in power has voluntarily agreed to relinquish its standing and allow discrimination against themselves in favor of a racial minority in the name of trying to create a more equal and harmonious society - which is a good thing. It is unfortunate that amidst all this opportunity, in the year 2020, some people still feel the need to find fault and complain that their lives are somehow not within their control, all while writing books that are quickly accepted and published, generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in supplemental income for their hard work and dedication.
originally posted on ebay.com
The book Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson, was inviting, informative, captivating and honest. The writer captures and explains moments in time that history books either scanned over or left out completely. She provides missing information and fills the void in history that left African American's clueless to why negative events continues to happen decade after decade. The book is engaging and her facts were supported by references throughout the chapters. I love this book and gained so much knowledge by reading it.
originally posted on ebay.com
Extremely well written, thoughtful and thought provoking. The author uses metaphors and event descriptions to examine out history--and that of the wider world--to demonstrate how our current political turmoil, trend toward authoritarianism, and acts of inter-racial brutality are rooted in our past.
| General | |
| Format | Paperback |
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Caste: The International Bestseller Wilkerson, Isabel Isabel Wilkerson, [New] [Softcover]
Delivery $11.30
Caste
Delivery between 29 Sept – 6 Oct $9.95
Isabel Wilkerson uses her very readable writing style to attempt to compare Nazi Germany, and India's religious social structure to America's deliberate and destructive "Caste" system, created by white Americans for their benefit. As with so many black authors, the first 160 pages are all about pre-1950 history and slavery, as if this is somehow justification for behavior today of ANY people. Unfortunately, the notion that Blacks in America are oppressed by White people doesn't really make sense. Rather than being discriminated against, American Blacks enjoy special rights, privileges, and advantages that are unavailable to White Americans. These advantages extend into every aspect of Americas public life and can be traced to legislation passed back in the 1960s. A ... MoreIsabel Wilkerson uses her very readable writing style to attempt to compare Nazi Germany, and India's religious social structure to America's deliberate and destructive "Caste" system, created by white Americans for their benefit. As with so many black authors, the first 160 pages are all about pre-1950 history and slavery, as if this is somehow justification for behavior today of ANY people. Unfortunately, the notion that Blacks in America are oppressed by White people doesn't really make sense. Rather than being discriminated against, American Blacks enjoy special rights, privileges, and advantages that are unavailable to White Americans. These advantages extend into every aspect of Americas public life and can be traced to legislation passed back in the 1960s. A system of racial privileges for blacks was forced on universities, employers, and the population. Less qualified blacks were given preference over more qualified whites in university admissions, employment and promotion. Freezes are used against white admissions, employment, and promotion until racial balance is achieved. Rather than being institutionally oppressed, American Blacks have been accorded a whole array of institutional advantages over Whites. This represents a truly remarkable state of affairs because it stands as the only known instance in history whereby a racial majority in power has voluntarily agreed to relinquish its standing and allow discrimination against themselves in favor of a racial minority in the name of trying to create a more equal and harmonious society - which is a good thing. It is unfortunate that amidst all this opportunity, in the year 2020, some people still feel the need to find fault and complain that their lives are somehow not within their control, all while writing books that are quickly accepted and published, generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in supplemental income for their hard work and dedication.
The book Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson, was inviting, informative, captivating and honest. The writer captures and explains moments in time that history books either scanned over or left out completely. She provides missing information and fills the void in history that left African American's clueless to why negative events continues to happen decade after decade. The book is engaging and her facts were supported by references throughout the chapters. I love this book and gained so much knowledge by reading it.
Extremely well written, thoughtful and thought provoking. The author uses metaphors and event descriptions to examine out history--and that of the wider world--to demonstrate how our current political turmoil, trend toward authoritarianism, and acts of inter-racial brutality are rooted in our past.
In this political climate and divided population, this book needs to read by people and see the fingers pointing back at themselves when they point at others and say "you caused the division". The books points out that we are part of the problem with our desire for power and money.
Read chapter 28 first. It ends with the question: "...if people (meaning whites) were given the choice (given demographer's predictions of a non-white majority by 2042) between democracy and whiteness, how many would choose whiteness?"We are literally watching this choice play out in the myriads of voter suppression laws being passed in statehouses, the "BIG LIE" that Trump lost in 2020 and current "election audits," the majority of Republican elected officials failing to stand up for racial justice reform, and continued civil rights abuses too numerous to mention, but that you will learn about in this brilliantly written, tragic book.
I found this book incredible. I recall in 1989, I had the distinct privilege of sitting down with a leader of the Dalit Movement in India (publisher of the Dalit Voice), V. T. Rajshekar in my capacity with an NGO called the Ikologiks Institute for Global Studies. So to see the work, and poetic style of Isabel Wilkerson's book was phenomenal for me so almost thirty years later. I think this book could radically alter our perception of race and class in America.
Everyone in US, especially white people, should read it. Much of the information will already be known by informed people, but it is presented in a new context and will therefore be processed differently than when you read it before. But the presentation does not, for me, make compelling reading like the author's book about the great migration. I had to force myself to return to this book each day, but the read was worth the effort.
Isabel Wilkerson has nailed it, AGAIN!. This books helps to put many social structures, and their natures in a broader perspective. She peels back layers of values, beliefs, rituals, and memories that have been mis-qualified throughout America's history. She offers the readers an opportunity to "...dig into the precincts of our soul and examine the suburbs of our hearts...(Dr. Cornell West)" to identify oneself in the America we have. She gives alternative views of American history that have held mystery and irrationality. This is a good read for high schoolers and older. Millennials, especially non-black and brown ones, would be served VERY well if they had the insight from this book. Perry, Virginia
Wow. This book should be required reading. I learned so much from the eloquent words of Isabel Wilkerson. I’ll never understand the black experience in the United States but I will try my hardest to continue to educate myself. This book is it, you guys. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’m begging you. Read this book. Wilkerson weaves in her own life stories right along with her extensively researched findings of history and makes comparisons that are so thought provoking and important to know. This book will stick with me forever.
I learned new perspectives on subjects I've been exposed to my whole life. For example, that the concept of race was only created once America was being settled. Looking at skin color is so much quicker for the proper placement of the underlying caste system necessary for so many different people from so many different places. Race didn't exist in Europe or Africa, or anywhere else, in 1492.
| General | |
| Format | Paperback |
