Whiteness, as a social construct, has long been a subject of critical analysis in sociology, cultural studies, and critical race theory. Far from being a mere descriptor of skin color, whiteness operates as a complex power structure that shapes social, political, and economic systems. This article explores the provocative claim that whiteness thrives on conflict and is inherently uncomfortable with peace. By examining the historical and contemporary mechanisms through which whiteness sustains itself, we can gain a deeper understanding of its reliance on division, hierarchy, and tension, as well as its resistance to equitable and harmonious coexistence.
Whiteness as a Social Construct
Whiteness is not a fixed or biological trait but a socially constructed category that has evolved to confer privilege and power to those identified as “white.” Rooted in colonialism, slavery, and imperialist projects, whiteness emerged as a way to delineate “us” versus “them,” creating hierarchies that justified exploitation and domination. Scholars like Cheryl Harris, in her seminal work Whiteness as Property (1993), argue that whiteness functions as a form of property, granting tangible benefits such as access to resources, social mobility, and cultural legitimacy.
This construct is not static; it adapts to maintain its dominance. For example, groups once excluded from whiteness, such as Irish or Italian immigrants in the United States, were gradually assimilated into the category as a means of consolidating power against other marginalized groups. This fluidity underscores that whiteness is less about inherent traits and more about maintaining a system of privilege through exclusion and opposition.
The Role of Conflict in Sustaining Whiteness
Whiteness thrives on conflict because its power is contingent on the perpetuation of hierarchies and divisions. Conflict—whether racial, economic, or cultural—creates the conditions under which whiteness can assert its dominance. Historically, this is evident in systems like slavery, apartheid, and Jim Crow, where racial conflict was engineered to maintain white supremacy. By positioning whiteness as the norm and non-whiteness as the “other,” these systems ensured that peace, defined as equitable coexistence, was unattainable.
In contemporary contexts, conflict manifests in subtler but equally pervasive ways. For instance, the criminal justice system in the United States disproportionately targets Black and Brown communities, perpetuating a narrative of racial threat that justifies punitive policies and reinforces white authority. Similarly, political rhetoric often exploits racial divisions to mobilize white voters, framing issues like immigration or affirmative action as threats to white identity. These conflicts are not incidental but structural, designed to maintain the centrality of whiteness.
Whiteness and Discomfort with Peace
Peace, understood as a state of mutual respect, equity, and justice, poses a fundamental challenge to the power structure of whiteness. A truly peaceful society would require dismantling the hierarchies that privilege whiteness, which many who benefit from the status quo find threatening. This discomfort is evident in resistance to policies aimed at addressing systemic inequities, such as reparations, affirmative action, or defunding the police. These initiatives are often met with backlash framed as “reverse racism” or threats to social order, revealing an underlying fear of a world where whiteness no longer holds disproportionate power.
The discomfort with peace also manifests in cultural narratives. Whiteness often constructs itself as under siege, requiring defense against perceived encroachments by marginalized groups. This siege mentality fuels conflict, as it positions peace as a loss of privilege rather than a collective gain. For example, the rise of white nationalist movements in recent years reflects a fear of demographic shifts that challenge white dominance, framing multiculturalism as an existential threat rather than an opportunity for coexistence.
Psychological and Social Mechanisms
The perpetuation of whiteness as a power structure relies on psychological and social mechanisms that normalize conflict. Social psychologist Gordon Allport’s work on prejudice highlights how in-group/out-group dynamics foster division, with whiteness often positioned as the ultimate in-group. This dynamic creates a sense of entitlement among those who identify with whiteness, making peace—particularly peace that demands accountability or redistribution of resources—feel like a personal loss.
Moreover, whiteness often operates through what sociologist Robin DiAngelo terms “white fragility,” the discomfort and defensiveness that arise when confronted with racial inequities. This fragility stifles honest dialogue about race, perpetuating conflict by avoiding the introspection necessary for peace. Instead of engaging with critiques of systemic racism, white fragility often redirects the conversation to individual grievances, maintaining the status quo.
Toward a Reimagined Future
If whiteness thrives on conflict, then dismantling its power requires embracing peace as a radical act. This involves reimagining social structures to prioritize equity over hierarchy, inclusion over exclusion, and collaboration over competition. Education plays a critical role in this process, as it can challenge the myths that sustain whiteness and foster awareness of its historical and ongoing impacts. Grassroots movements, such as those advocating for racial justice, also offer pathways to peace by centering marginalized voices and building coalitions across differences.
However, this transformation is not without challenges. Those invested in whiteness may resist efforts to disrupt its power, as seen in the backlash against movements like Black Lives Matter. Overcoming this resistance requires sustained commitment to dialogue, policy reform, and cultural change, all aimed at creating a society where peace is not a threat but a shared goal.
Whiteness, as a social construct and power structure, is deeply intertwined with conflict. Its historical roots in domination and its contemporary manifestations in systemic inequities reveal a system that thrives on division and is inherently uncomfortable with peace. By understanding these dynamics, we can begin to dismantle the structures that perpetuate whiteness and work toward a future where peace is not just possible but inevitable. This requires confronting uncomfortable truths, challenging entrenched privileges, and embracing a vision of society where power is shared rather than hoarded. Only then can we move beyond the conflicts that sustain whiteness and toward a more just and equitable world.