This collection of papers explores past and current trends among African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans in the context of a white majority. The papers, presented at the 1998 Research Conference on Racial Trends in the United States, provide analyses of racial and social dynamics and recommendations for future research. The book details demographic changes that have moved America beyond black and white into a complex multiethnic environment. The 14 papers include: (1) "Introduction" (Neil J. Smelser, William Julius Wilson, and Faith Mitchell); (2) "An Overview of Trends in Social and Economic Well-Being, by Race" (Rebecca M. Blank); (3) "An Overview of Racial and Ethnic Demographic Trends" (Gary D. Sandefur, Molly Martin, Jennifer Eggerling-Boeck, Susan E. Mannon, and Ann M. Meier); (4) "Hispanics in a Multicultural Society: A New American Dilemma?" (Albert M. Camarillo and Frank Bonilla); (5) "Trends among American Indians in the United States" (Russell Thornton); (6) "Political Trends and Electoral Issues of the Asian Pacific American Population" (Don T. Nakanishi); (7) "Contemporary Immigration and the Dynamics of Race and Ethnicity" (Min Zhou); (8) "The Changing Meaning of Race" (Michael A. Omi); (9) "Racial Attitudes and Relations at the Close of the Twentieth Century" (Lawrence D. Bobo); (10) "Racial Trends and Scapegoating: Bringing in a Comparative Focus" (Anthony W. Marx); (11) "Affirmative Action: Legislative History, Judicial Interpretations, Public Consensus" (Carol M. Swain); (12) "Test-Score Trends Along Racial Lines, 1971 to 1996: Popular Culture and Community Academic Standards" (Ronald F. Ferguson); (13) "Residential Segregation and Neighborhood Conditions in U.S. Metropolitan Areas" (Douglas S. Massey); and (14) "Geography and Opportunity" (Manuel Pastor, Jr.). Three appendixes offer acronyms, a conference agenda, and authors' biographical sketches. (Papers contain references.) (SM)