History · Sociology
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
Isabel Wilkerson argues that race in America is best understood as part of a caste system, and compares it with caste in India and Nazi Germany. She backs the case with historical accounts and personal stories.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 2020
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 544
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want a wide-ranging, emotionally direct argument about hierarchy in American society.
Skip this if you prefer strictly academic, narrowly focused history.
The feel
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Quick answers about Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
- What is Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents about?
- Isabel Wilkerson argues that race in America is best understood as part of a caste system, and compares it with caste in India and Nazi Germany. She backs the case with historical accounts and personal stories.
- Who should read Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents?
- Read it if you want a wide-ranging, emotionally direct argument about hierarchy in American society. Skip it if you prefer strictly academic, narrowly focused history.
- How long and how fast is Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents?
- It is a medium-paced, long read of about 544 pages, first published in 2020.
- Does Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Racism, Violence, Genocide, Torture.
- Can I borrow Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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