The book's content is well-contextualised.
The introduction makes a strong case for a book about racism from a scientific perspective.
I am unsure about the assertion that in science, positionality doesn't matter. I think it is possible for bias to influence study design.
A decolonising lens should maybe have been engaged with, if only to explain why it wasn't one the author agreed with.
I think the book does a good job of going beyond the tabloid headlines to show the reader how to interpret scientific studies.

The Science of Racism explores scientific studies focused on racism, looking at their methodologies and results in a pop science format. West approaches the topic with sincerity and humour, willing to explain experimental design to the reader but also speak directly about your own experiences of bias and assumptions. Tackling the idea that many people don't believe racism exists, or exists any more, he delves into many studies to show that racism does exist, and is not simple, and then also explores what can be done about it, both on a personal level and a societal one. In particular, he looks at studies around the effectiveness of certain actions and interventions upon prejudice and bias, focusing on data rather than anecdotes to consider areas like why unconscious bias training isn't all it is claimed to be.

West's skill in this book is being able to combine offering up data and analysis of a lot of academic studies around racism with an approachable style that tries to demystify the scientific side of things to allow more people to engage with "the science of racism". There's a huge amount to think about, from the results of studies to West's conclusions about what makes a difference, and the book's conclusion acknowledges there's so much more, particularly in terms of intersectionality and communicating the wealth of research around other areas of prejudice, discrimination, and violence. The Science of Racism is a much-needed reaction to many of the claims around racism not existing or mattering or assertions of colour-blindness that pervade today, taking a different approach to a lot of other recent books about racism to dig into academic studies and experiments that prove the scale and deep-seated nature of racism and why everyone would benefit from knowing more about this research in order to confront their own behaviour and beyond.

This book was enlightening and well written.
I truly appreciate the care and research that has gone into this book.

The writing was also well done and the science well communicated.
I gained a lot of insights into the broader and more personal sphere of racism.

Thank you very much to the author and publisher for giving me access to this book.

This review will also appear on storygraph

It can be hard to review factual books like this, so I’ll try to make it as coherent as possible. Topic wise, I’m no expert, plus I had the privilege of not needing to learn until I was old enough to pick up some heavy books, but where I am personally in my antiracism journey this was exactly what I was hoping for, it’s a remarkably approachable read and a very powerful tool to have to hand.

While this isn’t my first foray into anti-racism reading, it is my first that tackles it from such a scientific perspective—and wow, did it hit hard. If you’re looking for a data-driven, no-nonsense approach to racism, this is it. West breaks down the science behind racism like he's cracking open a textbook and reading out the notes scribbled in the margin, but in a way that’s not overly dry or overwhelming. As you might expect by the name, instead of diving into the politics or heavy philosophical debates, he goes straight for the cold, hard facts, and undisputable evidence. Even going so far as to sourcing each study at the end of the book.

The book meticulously explores study after study, presenting an (unsurprisingly) compelling case of how racism is pervasively woven into pretty much every aspect of life. While it does flesh out with some impactful human experiences it continues to take the conversation far beyond and grounds everything in empirical data and encourages you to really understand the findings. It’s also refreshingly intersectional and considers more of a global perspective, rather than focusing solely on any one location’s data, which I especially appreciated as a UK reader.

If you're like me and love having facts to back up your anti-racism stance in difficult conversations with more…er…’resistant’ people, this is going to be right up your alley. It’s both an eye-opener and a page turner, and also balances a surprising amount of humour for such a heavy topic, which really helps it to be a little more digestible. It’s essential to call out problem behaviour and say “this ‘example’ is racist”, but gets tricky when someone argues, or tells you to prove it. Now I can throw a book at them.

Jokes aside, I’m so glad to have this at my disposal and I’m very grateful to have been able to review this as an ARC. A big thank you to Keon West, NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and Picador for the opportunity to read and review it. (I promise not to throw it at anyone)

Research demonstrating how much of a problem racism remains in all aspects of life. West suggests that unconscious bias training may worsen the problem. Unpicking common assumptions makes this an accessible, thought-provoking book to make you question your own attitudes.

Not typically the genre of book that I read, but have to say I found this a fascinating read and would thoroughly recommend to anyone even with slightest bit of interest in this subject.
Extremely well researched and written, I found myself thinking deeply about some of the studies and results and it certainly challenges you to look inside yourself and think long and hard about how your views of different races and the way you perceive them ? I guarantee it will set you thinking about your attitudes and views.
An excellent book and thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this and provide an unbiased review

The Science of Racism by Keon West is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper, more factual understanding of racism. While debates on this topic are often fuelled by personal opinion and anecdote, West takes a refreshingly scientific approach, backing his arguments with rigorous research. In a world where surveys show half the population believes racism is no longer a problem, West methodically dismantles that notion, using data to demonstrate just how prevalent and pervasive racism remains across all areas of life.

Dr. West begins with studies on race and hiring practices, then broadens the lens to explore how racism impacts education, business, friendships, relationships, law enforcement, and healthcare. His work exposes how discrimination shapes every stage of life, from birth to death. What sets this book apart is the balance West strikes—he provides the facts without overwhelming the reader with dry statistics, much like Invisible Women, another eye-opening book that delivers complex research in an engaging, accessible manner.

One particularly intriguing aspect is West’s exploration of why certain anti-racism strategies, like unconscious bias training, can worsen the problem, and his suggestion of alternative approaches that can genuinely lead to a more equitable society.

This book was such an enlightening read! West’s narration is frank, often humorous, and always meticulous, making the subject both approachable and informative. His scientific grounding elevates the conversation on racism to one based on evidence rather than emotion, while his insights on real solutions offer hope for meaningful change.

I would recommend The Science of Racism to everyone. It’s not just a vital addition to the conversation on race—it’s a guide to understanding and addressing one of the most urgent issues of our time.

Read more at The Secret Bookreview.

This book was such an enlightening read! Gives similar vibes to 'Invisible Women', another great book, giving the facts in an accessible way with narration that makes it not overwhelmingly full of stats and references. Would recommend this book to everyone.

I’ve recently read Black and British and Slay in Your Lane, as well as some other really great social policy reads. This book is another that will, like those, be recommended widely to family, friends, people in the book club. A great and profound read. It’s honest and will stay with me. Excellent writing, important topic

Excellent in the vast array of subtopics chosen (racism is everywhere) and in its perspective, this is an enlightening and well-written read.
Opens up your eyes to the racism built in our lives, and I highly value the data-driven, evidence based approach.

Thanks so much to pan MacMillan/picador books, NetGalley and Keon West for the eARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

What an insightful read, such a thought provoking approach for an incredibly important and sensitive subject. It’s handled with care and supplemented with undeniable evidence.

I would definitely recommend