Jumia Books What’s Real About Race? Untangling Science, Genetics, and Society by Rina Bliss

What’s Real About Race? by Rina Bliss is a concise yet powerful examination of one of the most misunderstood intersections in modern discourse: race and genetics. Part of the Norton Shorts series, this book distills complex scientific and sociological ideas into an engaging narrative that challenges long-held assumptions and exposes the dangers of conflating biology with social identity.

Bliss, a sociologist with deep expertise in genetics, unpacks how race has been misused and misunderstood within scientific research—from early eugenics to contemporary genomics. She explains how the concept of race is not a biological truth but a social construct that has been repeatedly reinforced by flawed science and systemic bias. Through clear examples and accessible language, she shows how genetic variation does not map neatly onto racial categories and why believing otherwise perpetuates inequality.

This book is ideal for students, educators, and curious readers who want to understand how science can both illuminate and mislead when it comes to human difference. Bliss also offers tools for critically evaluating scientific claims and encourages readers to think more deeply about identity, ancestry, and the ethics of research.

Whether you're navigating conversations about race, teaching social science, or simply seeking clarity in a confusing landscape of genetic information, What’s Real About Race? is an essential guide to separating fact from fiction—and building a more informed, equitable society.