Review by Choice Review
Bumiller (Johns Hopkins University) presents a thought-provoking analysis of the effects of antidiscrimination legislation on its putative beneficiaries. Based extensively on social theory and backed by survey and interview data, the author argues that in examining the ways in which members of ``protected classes'' respond to these laws we must conclude that antidiscrimination laws ``perpetuate patterns of behavior that maintain discriminatory practices.'' This book is primarily a critique of the ``Legal Protection'' model, which posits that the law can ultimately eliminate social and economic inequalities. However, that result is dependent upon the victims' ability and willingness to recognize injuries, report them, and then participate in enforcement proceedings. This model, she argues, is not a representation of reality in that the victims of discrimination are bound up in an ideology that precludes their assertion of rights. This ideology consists of sacrifice (that passivity is a positive and socially acceptable response to discrimination), exclusion (an exaggeration of the power of one's opponents), and distortion (confusion and self-blame by the victim). Consequently, the victim is not only prevented from taking action by structural constraints but also by more subtle psychological constraints. Although worthwhile overall, a solution to the problem should have been proposed. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty.-M.W. Bowers, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
