In the tradition of several seminal works in the past century, "New Directions" contributes to a greater understanding of race relations in contemporary America. W.E.B. DuBois's oft-quoted insight in his 1903 work, "The Souls of Black Folk," that the problem of the 20th century would be the “color line” has indeed been proved true. In 1944, Gunnar Myrdal's "An American Dilemma: The Negro Problem and American Democracy" shed powerful light on the extent of racism in American society as it approached mid-century. The National Research Council's 1989 work, "A Common Destiny: Blacks and American Society," documented the dramatic changes for African Americans in the postwar years. The present study delineates America's progress in the final decades of the 20th century. It challenges all citizens, as the 21st century begins amid unparalleled economic, demographic, and social changes, to complete the unfinished business of providing equal opportunity for every American. It is our hope that this publication will contribute to the full achievement of that worthy goal.
Book Description
"New Directions" presents significant and timely data on eight topical areas as well as thought-provoking recommendations for eliminating racial disparities and promoting greater awareness of the complexities arising from America's new diversity. Beginning with a review of current demographic data and an analysis of public attitudes on race and other policy issues, the study addresses income and wealth, education, health, family structure, politics, and criminal justice. It finds that the increasing diversity within the African American population indicates both progress and continuing challenges in each area. The study discusses the potential of several models of intergroup collaboration and the pitfalls of competition as all sectors of society seek to obtain the benefits of America's growing prosperity.
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
James S. Jackson is the Principal Investigator and Editor who worked with an eminent group of scholars to produce the study. Dr. Jackson is Director of the Research Center for Group Dynamics and the Program for Research on Black Americans at the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. He is also the Daniel Katz Distinguished University Professor of Psychology, Professor of Health Behavior and Health Education at the School of Public Health, Director of the Center for Afroamerican and African Studies, and Faculty Associate at the Institute of Gerontology. In 1990, he helped establish and continues to direct the African American Mental Health Research Program funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. His research interests and areas of publication include race and ethnic relations, health and mental health, adult development and aging, attitudes and attitude change, and African American politics. He is coeditor of "Family Life in Black America," "Mental Health in Black America," and "Aging in Black America."
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Customer Reviews
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
still real economic differences,
By
This review is from: New Directions : African Americans in a Diversifying Nation (NPA report) (Paperback)
The authors look at many aspects of African Americans in the broader US society. One chapter discusses marriages with whites and others, and how this might give rise to more complex ethnic markers. In light of Obama's current campaign, the remarks seem prescient.Other chapters look at economic disparities, in terms of income and assets. There has indeed been a convergence of median black income towards median white income. But a difference still exists and is quite measurable. While if one looks at assets [ie. net worth], the disparities are much starker. Asset [wealth] measurement refers to and is highly dependent on time needed to accrue such assets. Black families typically did not have the generations free of discrimination needed for such economic buildups. A continued inequality in access to education is also observed and decried.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
|
|
Tag this product(What's this?)Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organize and find favorite items. |
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
