Author to discuss scientists’ views on race at Baker Institute lecture

Franz Brotzen
713-348-6775
franz.brotzen@rice.edu

Author to discuss scientists’ views on race at Baker Institute lecture

Ann Morning, an associate professor of sociology at New York University, will discuss her book, “The Nature of Race: How Scientists Think and Teach About Human Difference,” Sept. 15 at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

In her book, Morning explores different conceptions of race and the ways scientists are influencing ideas about race through teaching and textbooks — even as the scientific community debates the issue. For example, Morning finds that while many sociologists now assume race is a social invention or “construct,” anthropologists and biologists are far from such a consensus. She also examines how corporations and the government use scientific research in ways that often reinforce the idea that race is biologically determined.

Who: Sociologist Ann Morning will discuss “The Nature of Race: How Scientists Think and Teach About Human Difference.”

When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15.       

Where: Rice University, Baker Hall’s Doré Commons, 6100 Main St.

The event is by invitation only, but open to members of the news media. It will be webcast at www.bakerinstitute.org/events/the-nature-of-race-how-scientists-think-and-teach-about-human-difference.

Members of the news media who want to attend should RSVP to Franz Brotzen at franz.brotzen@rice.edu or 713-348-6775.