The Race for Theory

Barbara Christian's The Race for Theory critiques exclusionary academic practices and argues for a theory that accounts for the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities.

The work calls attention to who theory serves and pushes for a reorientation of literary criticism toward socially engaged aims.

Christian emphasizes that theory should not be an insular exercise but should address real-world injustices and pedagogical responsibilities.

Her arguments have influenced generations of scholars interested in race, gender, and decolonial approaches to literary studies.

The text is often paired with writers like bell hooks in syllabi focused on liberatory theory.