In sociology, whiteness is not considered merely a matter of skin color, but rather a set of privileges, experiences, and social norms associated with white identity. According to sociologists, the construction of whiteness is directly linked to the mindset of viewing non-white people as the “other” in society. This is why white identity comes with numerous advantages that are often taken for granted or considered natural. A white person rarely faces prejudice based on their skin color, while a Black person is often judged solely on their race. This situation highlights that in a world where racism exists, the attitudes towards whiteness and blackness are not the same.
In regions like Europe and America, white skin has long been considered the “norm” and the “standard.” Consequently, many white people do not feel the need to reflect on their racial identity because they live in a culture where whiteness is already normalized. This normalization is linked to the concept of white supremacy, where society considers the white race superior. As a result, a large share of power, resources, and prestige becomes concentrated in the hands of these individuals, whether in politics, education, or administration.
Historical Perspective: When Whiteness Was Made a Symbol of Superiority
To understand whiteness, it is essential to look at history. Racial discrimination was deeply ingrained in 17th-century Europe, which can be clearly seen in its literature. Shakespeare’s famous play Othello is a powerful example of this. In this play, a Black character is repeatedly associated with “evil” and “darkness,” even though he is a respected military officer and leader. This portrayal demonstrates how, at that time, Blackness was associated with moral depravity and impurity, while Whiteness was considered a symbol of purity and superiority.
This perception was so deeply ingrained in European society that being White became an inherent social advantage. History shows that society was structured in a way that allowed White people to advance more easily, while Black people were consistently marginalized. This inequality was not only cultural but also existed at the legal and institutional levels.
Citizenship and Racial Discrimination in America
In the early years of the twentieth century, citizenship and the right to vote in America were largely restricted to White men. The naturalization process, which appeared legal and impartial on the surface, was in reality biased in favor of White men. Those who came from outside the United States and had even slightly darker skin had to struggle to prove themselves “White.”
The most severe impact of this process was on Black people, who were denied the opportunity to become American citizens simply because of their skin color. This demonstrates that racial discrimination was not limited to social behavior but was deeply embedded in laws and policies. Black people were constantly given the message that they were inadequate for society, regardless of their qualifications.
The Role of Whiteness in Social Justice Movements
The influence of Whiteness can also be clearly seen in social justice movements. For example, Black women face both racism and sexism, but their experiences are often overlooked. This is called intersectional invisibility, where a person’s dual identity—such as being both Black and a woman—makes them even more invisible. It is often observed that white women are more readily heard in social movements, while Black women have to struggle to make their voices heard. Movements like #SayHerName arose from this need, to highlight that Black women, not just Black men, are also victims of police violence. This struggle should not be limited to one community but should be a concern for all of humanity, as social injustice is not a problem of a single race.
The Impact of Whiteness in Education and Higher Education
Historically, universities were established for white middle-class men. Even though universities today claim to be more diverse, the influence of whiteness has not completely disappeared. White students often do not face additional obstacles due to their race, while Black students and students of color have to contend with prejudice in addition to their studies.
Whiteness also influences curricula. Many scholars believe that if whiteness is not discussed carefully, it can do more harm than good in promoting equality. However, remaining silent on this topic is also not a solution. The need is to incorporate racial issues into the education system with sensitivity and responsibility.
IntersectionalityThe Need for Curriculum Reform
The concept of intersectionality, introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw, helps us understand that social injustice cannot be viewed from a single perspective. Race, gender, class—these are all distinct yet interconnected factors. If a problem is not named, it becomes virtually impossible to identify and address it.
Therefore, educational institutions must incorporate diverse perspectives into their curricula and move beyond Eurocentric thinking. Educators must also be socially aware so that they do not inadvertently perpetuate any form of bias.
Institutional Racism in British Higher Education Institutions
The extremely low number of Black professors in British universities is a serious concern. It indicates that many barriers still exist at the institutional level, which need to be addressed. The lack of adequate frameworks for addressing racism-related complaints, indifference towards Black history and culture, and discriminatory practices—all these problems weaken the education system.
Universities must first acknowledge that institutional racism and white privilege do indeed exist. Only then can concrete and effective steps be taken. A system of education is needed that fosters equality, respect, and diversity, so that every student and educator feels safe and valued.
Conclusion: A Shared Human Responsibility
The question of whiteness and blackness is not merely a matter of color, but of power, opportunity, and human dignity. Ending social injustice is not the responsibility of any single community, but a shared obligation for all of us. As long as society judges people based on the color of their skin, true equality will remain elusive. What is needed is for us to build a more just and humane society through empathy, understanding, and active participation.
