Race Relations in Sociological Theory (1983) presents a clear definition of the field of race relations, and indicates how it should be systematically developed. Professor Rex argues that there are three elements in what is called a ‘race relations situation’: an extreme form of oppression; restriction of mobility between groups; and the ideological rationalisation of the system by a deterministic theory. He shows how the roots of racism emerge in colonial situations and in the transfer of colonial workers to metropolitan situations. He outlines the formal structure of race relations situations, and the ways in which racist theories are developed and institutionalised.
