This paper discusses the concept of race consciousness and how it might be used in empirical work on race politicalization among American blacks. The concept is traced to an earlier phase of American sociological writings. General principles are suggested for its operationalization in studying a wide range of observable behavior. Particular attention is directed to representing adequately the actor's meaning. Recent research is criticized in light of conceptual and methodological limitations with regard to this area. Recommendations are made concerning types of data needed to further theoretical understanding of links among institutions, social change, and race consciousness.
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James P. Pitts (1974) studied this question.