This brief book is a groundbreaking tool for students and non-students alike to examine systems of privilege and difference in our society. Written in an accessible, conversational style, Johnson links theory with engaging examples in ways that enable readers to see the underlying nature and consequences of privilege and their connection to it. This extraordinarily successful book has been used across the country, both inside and outside the classroom, to shed light on issues of power and privilege.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"It is one of the best texts I have read for introducing the concepts of privilege, power, and difference. . . It is an excellent work covering critically important ideas in an easily accessible style." Amber E. Kinser -- Feminist Teacher
Privilege, Power, and Difference is an outstanding discussion of how social systems work to perpetuate privilege, how individuals choose to interact with those systems, and how we can create positive change." Charles Dickey -- Leftunder Books
Privilege, Power, and Difference is an outstanding discussion of how social systems work to perpetuate privilege, how individuals choose to interact with those systems, and how we can create positive change." Charles Dickey -- Leftunder Books
From the Back Cover
"Allan Johnson really understands how interlocking systems of oppression work and knows how to share his understanding in a way that will be immediately accessible to students at all levels. Privilege, Power, and Difference should serve as an invaluable tool for teaching about privilege and oppression." Paula Rothenberg, author of Race, Class, and Gender
"In Privilege, Power, and Difference, Allan Johnson teaches us how to think critically about inequality and oppression without getting mired in guilt or despair. He gently but firmly removes the blinders that keep us from seeing our own privileges and how those privileges harm others. Then he shows us how to walk the talk and turn our beliefs in justice and equality into practice. This is a book that will change lives." Michael Schwalbe, author of Unlocking the Iron Cage: The Men's Movement, Gender Politics, and American Culture.
"I adopted this very readable book and it has had a tremendous impact on my students. Johnson explains the concept of privilege in ways that allow my students with privilege to hear and understand without getting defensive. I recommend it highly for both college and high school students and the general adult population." Jane Connor, SUNY
"In Privilege, Power, and Difference, Allan Johnson teaches us how to think critically about inequality and oppression without getting mired in guilt or despair. He gently but firmly removes the blinders that keep us from seeing our own privileges and how those privileges harm others. Then he shows us how to walk the talk and turn our beliefs in justice and equality into practice. This is a book that will change lives." Michael Schwalbe, author of Unlocking the Iron Cage: The Men's Movement, Gender Politics, and American Culture.
"I adopted this very readable book and it has had a tremendous impact on my students. Johnson explains the concept of privilege in ways that allow my students with privilege to hear and understand without getting defensive. I recommend it highly for both college and high school students and the general adult population." Jane Connor, SUNY
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More About the Author
Allan G. Johnson is a nationally recognized writer, novelist, and public speaker who has worked on issues of privilege, oppression, and social inequality since receiving his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Michigan in 1972. His nonfiction writing has been translated into several languages and excerpted in numerous anthologies. His novels, The First Thing and the Last and Nothing Left to Lose, come from a lifelong devotion to the art of writing coupled with a passionate commitment to understanding what it means to be a human being in a complex world full of unnecessary suffering. He shares his life with Nora L. Jamieson, a writer, healer, and gatherer of women. They live in the hills of northwestern Connecticut.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By Alexis
Format:Paperback
In this book, the author describes how the world works. It can all be summed up by this sentence in his book:
"The trouble that surrounds difference is really about privilege and power - the existence of privilege and the lopsided distribution of power that keeps it going."
Differences include, class, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability...and the list goes on.
If you like to educate yourself; if you crave an understanding of the way things work; if you love to read, get this book. You won't regret it. It's written beautifully; in sort of a conversation tone. I swear I was just going to take a nap, and as I lied in bed and started reading this, I couldn't fall asleep because I didn't want to stop reading. So go out there and get this book! I know you'll love it. I'm falling in love with this amazing sociologist. He's easily becoming a favorite. This book is changing my life already, and I guarantee it will change yours.
"The trouble that surrounds difference is really about privilege and power - the existence of privilege and the lopsided distribution of power that keeps it going."
Differences include, class, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability...and the list goes on.
If you like to educate yourself; if you crave an understanding of the way things work; if you love to read, get this book. You won't regret it. It's written beautifully; in sort of a conversation tone. I swear I was just going to take a nap, and as I lied in bed and started reading this, I couldn't fall asleep because I didn't want to stop reading. So go out there and get this book! I know you'll love it. I'm falling in love with this amazing sociologist. He's easily becoming a favorite. This book is changing my life already, and I guarantee it will change yours.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By timesteele
Format:Paperback
This was a required book for my philosophy class. Privilege, Power, and Difference is one of my favorite books, I loved it. The book has been very inspiring to me, I am a college student and also a journalist on the side, it has inspired me to speak out even more. This book challenges politically correctness and forces the reader to deal with ideologies that are crippling our culture. The book was ahead of its time in regards to the Occupy Wall Street movement as well. Everyone should be reading this book right now, it speaks right to the movement and to the current events that are unfolding. Highly Recommended and honest.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Molly C
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I first encounter _Power, Privilege, and Difference_ in a graduate course. However, finding the book accessible and thorough, I thought the book would be well-suited to undergraduate courses I teach, as well. And, useful it has been! This book offers a way in for students who specifically are struggling with issues of "White guilt," feeling that the whole of racism, sexism, etc. is on their shoulders. Written from a White man who openly identifies in many of the privileged categories in this society, Johnson offers a way in to others who similarly identify.
I highly recommend this book!
I highly recommend this book!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book examines privilege; who has it, who doesn't. Privilege is multi-faceted and powerful; many who have privilege deny that they do. Another eye opening book.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Jennifer
Format:Paperback
The book was required reading for a class I took in college called poverty and Microcredit. Johnson helps define what privilege actually is, the origins of privilege, and the reasons it continues to be so prominent in American society. We see social injustices everyday and sometimes we even cause them without knowing it. Being a white American, I have never had to think about race. Privilege, Power, and Difference opened my eyes to these issues. He does not shove these inequalities in your face; What he does do is offer you effective solutions to these issues, so you can try your best not to contribute to the cycle of privilege and inequality. The book was enlightening and inspiring. I do a lot of community service and it can be exhausting and it can burn me out. The book renewed my passion for making an impact and made me pumped about the things I am doing and will continue to do. Johnson will change your views and make you want to continue on a path of awareness and tolerance. I recommend this book to EVERY SINGLE PERSON. It is honestly one of my favorite books of all time.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By OnlyTruth
Format:Paperback
This is currently the book chosen by my professor ( who is white) for my Sociology class. I could not put this book down. I was surprised that a white person (Allan Johnson, the author)could be so precise, observate, and truthful about the racism in the American society. The white classmates reacted, and currently react, just as the author predicted....hostile and angry. He says that the "privileged" white people don't want to talk or do anything about racism, because most are oblivious to racism and most don't want to give up power, privilege, or control to those of color...let alone, share any. He also states that racism is the problem of white people. I agree and always have known this to be true. Racism is designed to dehumanize, control, kill, and oppress those of color, especially Africans, for the delusional status quo of superiority and the fear of their minority race ( yes, I said it, there are more people of color world-wide ) becoming extinct. The majority of the white students refuse to read the book...there is much truth in the book. Yet, their ignorance and hostility will not allow them to realize that their anger and hostility is misdirected...at those of color, of course. They are part of the "problem", as Allan Johnson states. He also states that the first thing that white people need to do is to realize that racism IS their problem. He also says that, racism will continue to be a problem if white people do not own the problem. He speaks of racism like only those of color have experienced, and share with each other. He is on point. He does speak on discrimination of anyone who is "different" , also the control and dominance placed on women and those who don't fit into the capitalistic, hetro-sexual, white male standards of this 'United' States.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good reading
It was a must read for my Master's class. Very informative and easy to read. Mr. Johnson surprised me with his honesty.
Published 28 days ago by C. D. SMITH
5.0 out of 5 stars
White Privilege
This is a good book for someone that wants to take a serious look at the role white privilege has played in the United States. Allan G. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jared J
1.0 out of 5 stars
Judgemental
The ONLY reason I got this book was because it was required. I do not like reading this and I do not like the author. Read more
Published 3 months ago by sleepless in seattle
5.0 out of 5 stars
REQUIRED FOR CLASS
This book, I purchased because of a requirement. So far it seems to be a very powerful bit of knowledge.
Published 3 months ago by Whitney Baker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good book!
This is a very powerful book and I recommend reading it. You may not agree with everything but it puts a new perspective out there. It is nice to hear more than just one opinion. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Stacy
2.0 out of 5 stars
Eh
I had to get this book for class. It wasn't great; it wasn't terrible. I feel it is too one-sided and very, very redundant. Read more
Published 4 months ago by JS
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read!
This book does a great job explaining privilege. Johnson (the author) has been mentioned in a few of my political science classes as has this book. I am glad that I have read it. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Linda Ann Atty
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book and Perspective
This was a required book for my philosophy class. Privilege, Power, and Difference is one of my favorite books, I loved it. Read more
Published 16 months ago by timesteele
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