42 pages • 1 hour read
More Than Just Race: Being Black and Poor in the Inner City
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Essay Topics
What arguments does William Julius Wilson make in More Than Just Race that might provide an alternative explanation for the conclusions Herrnstein and Murray drew in The Bell Curve?
Do you agree with Wilson that structural factors are more impactful than cultural ones on African American social immobility?
How similar are contemporary inner-city neighborhoods to segregation in America before the civil rights movement?
Do you agree with Wilson’s conclusions? Critically examine one of Wilson’s arguments in More Than Just Race.
Do you agree with the nine out of ten Americans who believe that black unemployment is predominantly due to a “lack of effort” (44)? Evidence your view with sociological studies and give an appraisal of the credibility of their findings.
What are the structural contributors to African American economic difficulties identified by Wilson? Why do you think that they are ignored by nine out of ten Americans? Give sociological evidence for your opinion.
Does William Julius Wilson understate the impact of race on African American joblessness?
Why do you think incarceration of African Americans soared during the Clinton era? Use the evidence given in More Than Just Race to support your view.
Which do you think contributes more to inequality in America, race or class? Substantiate your view.
Briefly, how has American policy since the civil rights era contributed to economic and social inequality for African Americans? What policy recommendations would you make to redress the issues Wilson identifies in More Than Just Race? Give evidence for your recommendations.
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