Final answer:
Race theory indeed describes racism in society, with critical race theory examining the ways race, law, and power interact and manifest systemic racism. Examples include the impact of standardized testing on college admissions and Émile Durkheim's view of racism as an entrenched social fact.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Race theory describes racism in society" is true. Critical race theory, in particular, is a framework within the social sciences that examines society and culture as they relate to categorizations of race, law, and power. It posits that the social construction of race is intricately linked to systemic racism and that this manifests in various aspects of society such as legal systems, political policies, education, and more.
For example, critical race theorists argue that structural racism is evident in practices like merit-based college admissions, where reliance on standardized testing may inadvertently perpetuate educational inequalities. This is because such tests can reflect and reinforce disadvantages experienced by minority communities due to historical and ongoing discriminatory practices. Moreover, sociologist Émile Durkheim's concept of racism as a social fact underlines the theory that racism's persistence in society doesn't necessarily rely on individual actions but rather on entrenched societal structures.
Addressing race theory is fundamental in understanding how racism permeates through various levels of society, influencing the distribution of resources, privileges, and power. The awareness and study of these theories provide insight into the complexities of race and the role it plays within the fabric of society.