Sociology
The Social Construction of Whiteness in Postcolonial Migration Contexts
Quick fact
In early 20th-century Australia, immigrants from Southern Europe were not considered 'white' and faced discrimination, but by the late 20th century, they were fully assimilated into 'whiteness'—a clear demonstration that whiteness is a flexible social category shaped by migration politics and economic needs.
Why this is interesting
You’ve probably heard that race is a social construct. But have you ever wondered why 'whiteness' seems to change its meaning when people migrate from one country to another?