What is more important—race or class—in determining the socioeconomic success of the blacks and whites born since the civil rights triumphs of the 1960s? When compared to whites; African Americans complete less formal schooling; work fewer hours at a lower rate of pay and are more likely to give birth to a child out of wedlock and to rely on welfare. Are these differences attributable to race per se; or are they the result of differences in socioeconomic background between the two groups?Being Black; Living in the Red demonstrates that many differences between blacks and whites stem not from race but from economic inequalities that have accumulated over the course of American history. Property ownership—as measured by net worth—reflects this legacy of economic oppression. The racial discrepancy in wealth holdings leads to advantages for whites in the form of better schools; more desirable residences; higher wages; and more opportunities to save; invest; and thereby further their economic advantages.Dalton Conley shows how factoring parental wealth into a reconceptualization of class can lead to a different future for race policy in the United States. As it currently stands; affirmative action programs primarily address racial diversity in schooling and work—areas that Conley contends generate paradoxical results with respect to racial equity. Instead he suggests an affirmative action policy that fosters minority property accumulation; thereby encouraging long-term wealth equity; or one that—while continuing to address schooling and work—is based on social class as defined by family wealth levels rather than on race.
#458814 in Books 1995-03-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .94 x 6.00l; 1.10 #File Name: 0520202198321 pages
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy MProduct as described and shipped promptly.9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. One of the most important books in Chicano historyBy A CustomerThis book truly marks a turning point in Chicano history by interrogating the similarities and differences between Mexican nationals and Mexican Americans in the U.S. The metaphor of Walls and Mirrors sums up the relationship between immigrants and longtime U.S. residents: they shared cultural; labor/class; and daily social ties; but political and civic goals divided them.This book; then; is a political history that examines the importance of both legal and cultural citizenship in Texas and California communities. It looks at the impact of the Cold War; agribusiness labor needs; and civil rights struggles on debates over immigration at both the local and national level.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Well written; hugely informativeBy A CustomerDavid Gutierrez' book is one of the most informative; thorough books available on the Chicano experince in the US Southwest. This book is not just for activists or chicano studies scholars. If you have ever wondered why immigration policy exists in its present form; or why racial tensions still persist within the southwest; read this book. It is very densly packed with valuable infomation and excellent sources; and it presents such information in a fairly unbiased manner. This is an impressive work of research that should be in the library of every house in America.
