Both “interest convergence” and “material determinism” are used to describe the view in which race relations can be tracked over time in connection to material conditions, rather than changes in personal attitudes alone. 

Advancements towards what appears to be racial equality do not occur because of any moral move away from racism, but because the desires of the ruling class and the desires of the oppressed class happen to overlap (converge) in a particular way that is still ultimately beneficial to the ruling class.  On the other end, increased conflict between groups that appears to be rooted in race is a result of one group choosing to exploit or harm another, and *then* forming collective oppressive attitudes to rationalize that harm in order to protect the material gains of the ruling class. 


Interest Convergence / Material Determinism

The division between racial idealists and racial realists is a division in what is seen as the root of racism. For racial idealists, racism originates in the mind, and so it is the mind that must be changed in the pursuit to eliminate racism. For racial realists, racism originates in the pursuit of economic gain, with racist attitudes fabricated in order to justify economic exploitation, and so it is economic empowerment that people need in order to fight racism.

While these views do not contradict each other, they hold different issues as top priorities. While idealists may focus on speech laws, representation in media, and diversity seminars, realists would be more likely to focus on workers rights, immigration laws, and the criminal justice system.

Racial Idealism vs. Racial Realism

Also called economic determinism, racial realism focuses on the material consequences of racism. It views racism as an economic system that privileges white people through tangible benefits: education, land, jobs, etc. Under this view, histories of race relations are histories of economic changes. 

Georgetown University

These are terms that were created within Critical Race Theory or are necessary to understand some of the theories within Critical Race Theory

- Intersectionality
- Color blindness
- Racial Idealism
- Racial Realism

Key Terms within Critical Race Theory

Delgado, R., & Stefancic, J. (2012). Critical Race Theory: An Introduction (2nd ed.). NYU Press.

Critical Race Theory: An Introduction 

Intersectionality examines the experiences of people who are experiencing discrimination on the basis of two or more marginalized identities at the same time, and how this differs from experiencing discrimnination on the basis of these identities individually.  Because of this depending on context, we all have areas where we experience privilege, as well as areas of oppression

For example, the stereotypes or preconceived notions held about black women are not merely a combination of those held about black people and those held about women, but a unique intersection of racism and sexism that black women experience differently from either black men or white women.

Intersectionality

Color blindness is the view or standard that everyone should or is being treated uniformly, regardless of differences in race. 

Color blindness (racial)

Racial Realism

Race idealists position racism as something that originates in the mind, and must be addressed there as well in order to be eradicated. They are most concerned with thoughts, attitudes, and discourse, and how these can be changed to eliminate racially discriminatory beliefs .

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