Pathways Out of Poverty: True Integration Through Coalition Building and Public Solidarity

john a. powell

Executive Director, Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity

Williams Chair in Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Moritz College of Law

The Ohio State University

October 25, 2007

22

American Narrative on American Narrative on PovertyPoverty

Self sufficiency and anti-governmenSelf sufficiency and anti-government (ownership society)t (ownership society)

Responsibility tied only to the individResponsibility tied only to the individualual

Deserving (children/innocence) and Deserving (children/innocence) and undeserving poor (mostly people of undeserving poor (mostly people of color)color)

Resulting in durable, persistent and Resulting in durable, persistent and racialized povertyracialized poverty

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Attitudes Toward the PoorAttitudes Toward the Poor Perceived causes of povertyPerceived causes of poverty

Internal controllable causality (e.g., lack of effort) Internal controllable causality (e.g., lack of effort) > personal responsibility > personal responsibility

Internal uncontrollable causality (e.g., illness) Internal uncontrollable causality (e.g., illness) > no one is responsible > no one is responsible

External controllable causality (e.g., government policy) External controllable causality (e.g., government policy) > others are responsible > others are responsible

External uncontrollable causality (e.g., bad luck) External uncontrollable causality (e.g., bad luck) > no one is responsible> no one is responsible

Perceptions regarding the poor (worthy or unworthy, Perceptions regarding the poor (worthy or unworthy, deserving or not deserving, and moral or immoral) guide deserving or not deserving, and moral or immoral) guide disparate emotional reactions and pro- versus anti-social disparate emotional reactions and pro- versus anti-social behavioral responses.behavioral responses.

Source: Weiner, Bernard. “When Poverty is a Moral Failure.”

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Attitudes Toward the PoorAttitudes Toward the Poor ““Why Americans hate welfare” (Gilens)Why Americans hate welfare” (Gilens)

Racial attitudes toward welfare recipients as undeservingRacial attitudes toward welfare recipients as undeserving The “undeserving poor” are assumed to be black, lazy, and lackiThe “undeserving poor” are assumed to be black, lazy, and lacki

ng in commitment to the work ethic.ng in commitment to the work ethic. Media overrepresentation of the level of black welfare dependenMedia overrepresentation of the level of black welfare dependen

ce ce Ethnic and racial fractualization (Alesina & Glaeser)Ethnic and racial fractualization (Alesina & Glaeser)

Racial fractualization correlated with income differencesRacial fractualization correlated with income differences ““All poor are lazy” – racial differences All poor are lazy” – racial differences

between rich and poor facilitated between rich and poor facilitated the propagation of this viewthe propagation of this view

Sources: Alesina, Alberto and Glaeser, Edward L. “Fighting poverty in the US and Europe: A world of difference” Sources: Alesina, Alberto and Glaeser, Edward L. “Fighting poverty in the US and Europe: A world of difference” Gilens, Martin. “Why Americans Hate Welfare: Race, Media, and the Politics of Antipoverty Policy”Gilens, Martin. “Why Americans Hate Welfare: Race, Media, and the Politics of Antipoverty Policy”

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Attitudes Toward the Poor Attitudes Toward the Poor Matter Matter

Programs developed for addressing Programs developed for addressing povertypovertyDirect benefit give-away > produces hostilityDirect benefit give-away > produces hostilityPrograms creating opportunity > get more Programs creating opportunity > get more

supportsupportHow they think about How they think about

themselves (the sense themselves (the sense

of self)of self)

Source: http://www.ibiblio.org/prism/mar98/facts.html

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Individual vs. Collective Individual vs. Collective ResponsibilityResponsibility

Poverty viewed as personal/cultural failurePoverty viewed as personal/cultural failure Emphasizing poverty as a result of personal or Emphasizing poverty as a result of personal or

family failure to take advantage of opportunities family failure to take advantage of opportunities or lack of motivationor lack of motivation System JustificationSystem Justification The poor deserve to be poor The poor deserve to be poor

A highly racialized perspective A highly racialized perspective Linked to the narrative of the “American Dream”Linked to the narrative of the “American Dream”

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Poverty viewed as structural failurePoverty viewed as structural failure Recognizes poverty as the result of inequitable Recognizes poverty as the result of inequitable

access to opportunities access to opportunities ““A Failure of Opportunity”A Failure of Opportunity”

The dominant frame of the leftThe dominant frame of the left Current debates of the left are lacking, focusing more Current debates of the left are lacking, focusing more

on class not raceon class not race Ignores the fact that most structural arrangements Ignores the fact that most structural arrangements

producing poverty are racializedproducing poverty are racialized

Individual vs. Collective Individual vs. Collective ResponsibilityResponsibility

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““Is Bill Cosby Right?: Or Has Is Bill Cosby Right?: Or Has the Black Middle Class Lost Its the Black Middle Class Lost Its

Mind?”Mind?” Cosby’s assault on the black poor for personal Cosby’s assault on the black poor for personal

responsibilityresponsibility Dyson notes systematic/structural reasonsDyson notes systematic/structural reasons

““Afristocracy“ blaming "Ghettocracy,” a growing cultAfristocracy“ blaming "Ghettocracy,” a growing cultural divide within the African-American communityural divide within the African-American community

Challenges us all – black and white – to confront thChallenges us all – black and white – to confront the social problems that the civil rights movement faile social problems that the civil rights movement failed to solveed to solve

““CCome on, People: On the Path from Victims tome on, People: On the Path from Victims to Victors” by Bill Cosby & Alvin F. Poussainto Victors” by Bill Cosby & Alvin F. Poussaint Acknowledge systematic and institutional racismAcknowledge systematic and institutional racism But this can’t be an excuse for individual irresponsiBut this can’t be an excuse for individual irresponsi

bilitybility

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Individual and Collective Individual and Collective ResponsibilityResponsibility

It’s not either/or but together:It’s not either/or but together: Need programs that bring about change in the sense of self and Need programs that bring about change in the sense of self and

change in responsibilitychange in responsibility Make an effort to have different understanding and then bundle Make an effort to have different understanding and then bundle

things togetherthings together

Start with a few things that are in the pathway blocking Start with a few things that are in the pathway blocking opportunity and membershipopportunity and membership

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What do we mean by What do we mean by “Addressing Poverty”?“Addressing Poverty”?

What are human needs?What are human needs?Needs of personsNeeds of personsNeeds to maintain order and stability (HobbeNeeds to maintain order and stability (Hobbe

s, Nozick)s, Nozick)Need for Legitimacy > Membership (powell)Need for Legitimacy > Membership (powell)

What is poverty? What is poverty? Income or wealthIncome or wealthFreedom (Sen)Freedom (Sen)Membership (powell)Membership (powell)

Sources: Sen, Amartya. “Development as Freedom”Sources: Sen, Amartya. “Development as Freedom” powell, john a. “The Needs of Members in a Legitimate Democratic State”powell, john a. “The Needs of Members in a Legitimate Democratic State” Source: Klein, David G.Source: Klein, David G.

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Expanding our Expanding our Understanding of PovertyUnderstanding of Poverty

Poverty (and wealth) is measured by more thPoverty (and wealth) is measured by more than income, but by the an income, but by the capabilitycapability to live the lif to live the life one can value and contribute to society, a e one can value and contribute to society, a stable and sustainable existencestable and sustainable existence

Poverty is the deprivation of basic capabilitiePoverty is the deprivation of basic capabilities, including health and educations, including health and education

People in poverty cannot fully exercise their People in poverty cannot fully exercise their ffreedomsreedoms

Amartya Sen, Amartya Sen, Development as FreedomDevelopment as Freedom (1999) (1999)

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What is Freedom?What is Freedom?

Freedoms are many and varied, and Freedoms are many and varied, and they complement and strengthen they complement and strengthen one another one another

Sen’s “Five Freedoms”Sen’s “Five Freedoms” Political freedomsPolitical freedoms Economic facilitiesEconomic facilities Social opportunitiesSocial opportunities Transparency guaranteesTransparency guarantees Protective security Protective security

Economic development and social development are Economic development and social development are complementary, not competing, freedomscomplementary, not competing, freedoms

Amartya Sen, Amartya Sen, Development as FreedomDevelopment as Freedom (1999) (1999)

Image: Rendering of the endering of the Freedom TowerFreedom Tower released June 27, 2006. released June 27, 2006.

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Membership in a Legitimate Membership in a Legitimate Democratic StateDemocratic State

Membership, the most important goMembership, the most important good that we distribute to one another od that we distribute to one another in human community (Michael Walzin human community (Michael Walzer)er) Prior in importance even to freedomPrior in importance even to freedom Citizenship, a precondition to freedomCitizenship, a precondition to freedom Membership, a precondition to citizensMembership, a precondition to citizens

hiphip

Distribution of membershipDistribution of membership

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Capability Inequalities and Capability Inequalities and Needs of MembersNeeds of Members

Individual responsibilities and capabilities Individual responsibilities and capabilities are affected by health, gender, income, are affected by health, gender, income, geographic locationgeographic location

What people need to become full members What people need to become full members of the society is, everything!of the society is, everything!

We need to look not just at income We need to look not just at income inequality, but at inequalities in: education, inequality, but at inequalities in: education, health care, housing, geographical (regional) health care, housing, geographical (regional) inequalities inequalities

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Who are Members?Who are Members?

And who are not real members?And who are not real members? Theory of citizenshipTheory of citizenship

Race, class, gender, sexual orientation, etc.Race, class, gender, sexual orientation, etc. What about poor women of color?What about poor women of color?

Separating people and isolating the poorSeparating people and isolating the poor Affects everybody. Everybody is on their own!Affects everybody. Everybody is on their own! Problems with social welfare in the US.Problems with social welfare in the US. Privatizing public issues (eg. healthcare, global warmiPrivatizing public issues (eg. healthcare, global warmi

ng, poverty, education, prison, etc.)ng, poverty, education, prison, etc.)

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Racialization of PovertyRacialization of Poverty

Many feel that this racialization of Many feel that this racialization of concentrated poverty has improved in recent concentrated poverty has improved in recent years. years.

In 1960, African-American families in poverty In 1960, African-American families in poverty were were 3.83.8 times more likely to be concentrated times more likely to be concentrated in high-poverty neighborhoods than poor in high-poverty neighborhoods than poor whites.whites.

In 2000, they were In 2000, they were 7.37.3 times more likely. times more likely.

Fact Sheet from the Opportunity Agenda, Housing Neighborhoods and Opportunity. http://www.opportunityagenda.org/site/c.mwL5KkN0LvH/b.1433711/k.B7BA/Housing_Fact_Sheet.htm

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Cycle of Cumulative CausationCycle of Cumulative Causation

Racism exists not in individuals.Racism exists not in individuals. Race is a web, or matrix of several factors of Race is a web, or matrix of several factors of

disadvantage culminating, and feeding off each disadvantage culminating, and feeding off each other creating other creating a a vicious cycle vicious cycle of of cumulativecumulative causationcausation..

The structure we inhabit The structure we inhabit distribute material benefits and burden across societydistribute material benefits and burden across society also distribute meaningalso distribute meaning which in turn shapes racial attitudes and influences which in turn shapes racial attitudes and influences

the formation of racial identitiesthe formation of racial identities

Source: powell, john a. “Structural Racism: Building Upon the Insights of John Calmore” (tentative title)

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The Cumulative Impacts of Racial and The Cumulative Impacts of Racial and Opportunity SegregationOpportunity Segregation

Adapted from figure by Barbara Reskin at: http://faculty.washington.edu/reskin/

Segregation impacts a number of life-opportunitiesSegregation impacts a number of life-opportunities

Neighborhood Neighborhood SegregationSegregation

School SegregationSchool Segregation

Racial stigma, other Racial stigma, other psychological impactspsychological impacts

Job segregationJob segregation

Impacts on community power Impacts on community power and individual assetsand individual assets

Impacts on Educational AchievementImpacts on Educational Achievement

Exposure to crime; arrestExposure to crime; arrest

Transportation limitations and Transportation limitations and other inequitable public servicesother inequitable public services

Impacts on HealthImpacts on Health

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Programs Addressing Programs Addressing PovertyPoverty

Strategic mistakes of separating the pooStrategic mistakes of separating the poor from everybody elser from everybody else Programs that enjoy the most support are thPrograms that enjoy the most support are th

e ones targeting the non-poor (eg. social sece ones targeting the non-poor (eg. social security)urity)

Programs targeting a particular racial group sPrograms targeting a particular racial group separate them from the other …eparate them from the other …

NNot much attention paid to why whites shoulot much attention paid to why whites should care about integrationd care about integration

““What about us?” - poor white middle class rWhat about us?” - poor white middle class reacting to social justice workeacting to social justice work

Need programs that link the poor and thNeed programs that link the poor and the non-poore non-poor

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Targeted UniversalismTargeted Universalism

Through collective imagination, we need to Through collective imagination, we need to define what the future should look likedefine what the future should look like A New Paradigm! : Targeted UniversalismA New Paradigm! : Targeted Universalism

What is our alternative vision?What is our alternative vision? A model where we all grow togetherA model where we all grow together A model where we embrace collective A model where we embrace collective

solutionssolutions This vision requires collective action and will This vision requires collective action and will

require coalitions to be successfulrequire coalitions to be successful

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IntegrationIntegration

Integration is often conflated with Integration is often conflated with desegregation, assimilation and diversitydesegregation, assimilation and diversity

One without the other is incompleteOne without the other is incompleteJust the universal ignores the marginal.Just the universal ignores the marginal.Just the particular ignores connectedness.Just the particular ignores connectedness.

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Integration into OpportunityIntegration into Opportunity

Segregation is more than just the physical Segregation is more than just the physical isolation of peopleisolation of people

Segregation is isolation from opportunity Segregation is isolation from opportunity or opportunity structuresor opportunity structures

Integration is not just about bringing in Integration is not just about bringing in more people.more people.

Integration into opportunityIntegration into opportunity

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IntegrationIntegration We are constantly making our commonality. We are constantly making our commonality. It is there and not there.It is there and not there. Because we are both the same and different, dialogue is Because we are both the same and different, dialogue is

necessary and possible.necessary and possible. If we were all just the same, dialogue would not be necessary. If we were all just the same, dialogue would not be necessary. If we were just different, dialogue would not be possible.If we were just different, dialogue would not be possible.

This project is not just one of This project is not just one of distributing benefit but also identity. distributing benefit but also identity.

It is a deeply political, practical It is a deeply political, practical and spiritual issue.and spiritual issue.

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True IntegrationTrue Integration Creative and respective of inter-group relations based on Creative and respective of inter-group relations based on

mutuality, equality and fairnessmutuality, equality and fairness Transformative rather than assimilativeTransformative rather than assimilative Transforms and enriches the mainstream Transforms and enriches the mainstream

(cf. desegregation, at best, attempts to assimilate (cf. desegregation, at best, attempts to assimilate “minorities” into the mainstream)“minorities” into the mainstream)

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Coalition buildingCoalition building

Move from transactional level to a deeper lMove from transactional level to a deeper levelevel

Coalition across groups, space, ideologyCoalition across groups, space, ideologyEthics of connectedness and linked fateEthics of connectedness and linked fate

We are seeing us as disconnected.We are seeing us as disconnected.Structure in our society is disconnecting us (eStructure in our society is disconnecting us (e

g. public utility, public transportation)g. public utility, public transportation)

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Transformative View of Transformative View of RaceRace

Strategic and transformative use of race Strategic and transformative use of race requires that we show how requires that we show how all groups, all groups, including whitesincluding whites, are helped and harmed , are helped and harmed by our current institutional arrangements. by our current institutional arrangements.

Structural analysis enables us to Structural analysis enables us to understand race as a transformative understand race as a transformative instrument for change. instrument for change.

Source: powell, john a. “Race and Transformative Agenda”Source: powell, john a. “Race and Transformative Agenda”

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Milwaukee, A SnapshotMilwaukee, A Snapshot

The 7th poorest city in the Nation (U.S. The 7th poorest city in the Nation (U.S. Census 2004)Census 2004)

45 % of black males unemployed 45 % of black males unemployed (CEDUWM 2006)(CEDUWM 2006)

The 3The 3rdrd worst city for African-Americans worst city for African-Americans (Black Enterprise 2007)(Black Enterprise 2007)

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Concentrated Poverty in Concentrated Poverty in MilwaukeeMilwaukee

In 2000, 600,000 people in MilwaukeeIn 2000, 600,000 people in Milwaukee 37% black, 12% Hispanic37% black, 12% Hispanic

In 2006, 26% of Milwaukeans live below the poverty threIn 2006, 26% of Milwaukeans live below the poverty thresholdshold 38% of African American population and 34% of Latino populatio38% of African American population and 34% of Latino populatio

n in povertyn in poverty

Table. Milwaukee ranked ninth among large U.S. cities on concentrated poverty

City Concentrated Poverty Concentrated Poverty Extreme-PovertyRate -- Total Rate -- Blacks Neighborhoods

Fresno, CA 43.5 44.9 22New Orleans, LA 37.7 42.6 47Louisville, KY 36.7 53.2 11Miami, FL 36.4 67.6 23Atlanta, GA 35.8 41.0 28Long Beach, CA 30.7 26.8 17Cleveland, OH 29.8 35.6 52Philadelphia, PA 27.9 27.1 54Milwaukee, WI 27.0 39.3 42New York, NY 25.9 33.7 248

U.S. Total 10.3 18.6 2,510

Source: COWS (Center on Wisconsin Strategy)(Center on Wisconsin Strategy), “Moving Outward: The shifting landscape of poverty in Milwaukee”

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L A K EM I C H I G A NWaukesha

Racine

WashingtonOzaukee

Milwaukee

FLegend

NeighborhoodOpportunity Index

Very Low Opportunity

Low Opportunity

Moderate Opportunity

High Opportunity

Very High Opportunity

Lake Michigan

Counties

Neighborhoods of Opportunityin the Milwaukee Region(Based on Index of Six

Neighborhood Indicators)

TextText

Opportunity Indicators- Poverty Rate

- Unemployment Rate- Population Growth

- Vacant Property Rate- Median Home Value

African American Population in the Milwaukee Region

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The Dynamics of Opportunity in The Dynamics of Opportunity in MilwaukeeMilwaukee

Milwaukee Neighborhoodsby Opportunity Index Level

White Population

African AmericanPopulation

Latino Population

Very Low Opportunity 50,879 127,974 40,516Low Opportunity 156,980 96,692 30,591Moderate Opportunity 282,187 24,389 18,728High Opportunity 372,905 10,529 11,886Verh High Opportunity 462,286 6,509 7,769

Population by Race by Neighborhood Opportunity Level

Who is living in low opportunity communities in Milwaukee?Who is living in low opportunity communities in Milwaukee? Nearly 85% of the Milwaukee region’s African Americans live in “low” Nearly 85% of the Milwaukee region’s African Americans live in “low”

and “very low” opportunity neighborhoodsand “very low” opportunity neighborhoods 2/3’s of the region’s Latinos can be found in these communities2/3’s of the region’s Latinos can be found in these communities

Approximately 200,000 Whites are found in “low” and “very low” Approximately 200,000 Whites are found in “low” and “very low” opportunity communitiesopportunity communities

225,000 African Americans and 70,000 Latinos live in these communities 225,000 African Americans and 70,000 Latinos live in these communities as wellas well

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Subsidized Housing and Subsidized Housing and Poverty in the Milwaukee Poverty in the Milwaukee Region 1998 is concentrated Region 1998 is concentrated in higher poverty areas.in higher poverty areas.

Milwaukee needs Milwaukee needs approximately 28,000 units approximately 28,000 units of housing for extremely low of housing for extremely low income families.income families.

(Comprehensive Housing (Comprehensive Housing Affordability Survey, HUD, 2004)Affordability Survey, HUD, 2004)

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Milwaukee Region: Subsidized Housing 1998 and Neighborhood Poverty 2000

% in Poverty 20000 - 34 - 78 - 1516 - 3132 - 98

$ Subsidized HousingCountiesLake Michigan

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Milwaukee InitiativesMilwaukee Initiatives

A Review of the Milwaukee A Review of the Milwaukee

Workforce Development SystemWorkforce Development System Low level of business involvement Separation of Workforce Development funding

streams Lack of employment and training service coordination Inadequate transitional support of new workers and Meager career development opportunities

Source: “A Review of the Milwaukee Workforce Development System and Recommendations for Improvements”

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Milwaukee InitiativesMilwaukee Initiatives Residents Preference Program (1991 ~ )Residents Preference Program (1991 ~ )

Requires 25% of all hours worked on city public works Requires 25% of all hours worked on city public works contracts be performed by residents in poor areas of contracts be performed by residents in poor areas of the citythe city

New Hope Project (1994 ~ )New Hope Project (1994 ~ ) Income supplement, subsidized health and child care, Income supplement, subsidized health and child care,

job search assistancejob search assistance Housing Trust Fund (2006 ~ )Housing Trust Fund (2006 ~ )

Assist in the construction and rehabilitation of Assist in the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing for both for-profit and non-profit affordable housing for both for-profit and non-profit developersdevelopers

Need for collaborative initiativesNeed for collaborative initiatives

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Examples of Successful Examples of Successful ProgramsPrograms

Chicago, IL - Center for Working FamiliesChicago, IL - Center for Working Families A new approach to help low-income familiesA new approach to help low-income families

increase their earnings and income ("Earn It"),increase their earnings and income ("Earn It"), reduce their financial transaction costs ("Keep It"), reduce their financial transaction costs ("Keep It"), and build wealth for themselves and their and build wealth for themselves and their

communities ("Grow It")communities ("Grow It") Portland, ORPortland, OR

Assign recipients to adult education, vocational Assign recipients to adult education, vocational training, or life skills classes depending on their training, or life skills classes depending on their skills and needs.skills and needs.

An employment focus, the use of both job search An employment focus, the use of both job search and short-term education or training, and an and short-term education or training, and an emphasis on holding out for a good jobemphasis on holding out for a good job

Suggests a need to bundle things togetherSuggests a need to bundle things together

Sources: “A Review of the Milwaukee Workforce Development System and Recommendations for Improvements,” 2007

“Moving People from Welfare to Work: Lessons from the National Evaluation of Welfare-to-Work Strategies,” 2002

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Pathways Out of PovertyPathways Out of Poverty Think about how to serve the poor without Think about how to serve the poor without

isolating the poorisolating the poor Identify, test and help sustain pathways Identify, test and help sustain pathways

out of poverty out of poverty See people move along a road to self-See people move along a road to self-

sufficiencysufficiency Ensure access to meaningful opportunity Ensure access to meaningful opportunity

is shared fairly, giving all children, adults, is shared fairly, giving all children, adults, and families and communities a chance to and families and communities a chance to live free of povertylive free of poverty

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Public Face of Love is Public Face of Love is SolidaritySolidarity

““We are all caught up in an We are all caught up in an inescapable network of inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. garment of destiny. Whatever effects one Whatever effects one directly effects all indirectly.” directly effects all indirectly.” - The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther - The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther

King, Jr.King, Jr.

What Are Community ValuesWhat Are Community Values?? (Video clip) (Video clip)

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www.KirwanInstitute.orgwww.KirwanInstitute.org

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AddendumAddendum

Our current paradigmOur current paradigm and its effects on and its effects on social justice worksocial justice work

Race and ClassRace and Class Integration vs. DesegregationIntegration vs. Desegregation (Dr. Martin (Dr. Martin

Luther King, Jr.)Luther King, Jr.)

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Our Current ParadigmOur Current Paradigm

Hobbesian, isolated, radically individHobbesian, isolated, radically individualisticualisticPerceives Perceives individualsindividuals as autonomous-indep as autonomous-indep

endent endent selvesselvesEgoistic, possessive, separate, isolated, rationalEgoistic, possessive, separate, isolated, rational

Role of state: protect individualism and indiviRole of state: protect individualism and individual propertydual property

Addendum

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Our Current Our Current ParadigmParadigm

This has led to increasing This has led to increasing isolation and fear of the isolation and fear of the otherotherThis framework creates and This framework creates and

marginalizes marginalizes the racialized the racialized otherother

Creates false separations – Creates false separations – negates shared humanity negates shared humanity

As a result we are a nation As a result we are a nation divided, and have failed to divided, and have failed to achieve true democracyachieve true democracy

Addendum

4141

Effects of Current Paradigm Effects of Current Paradigm on Social Justice Work on Social Justice Work

Within this framework, social justice work:Within this framework, social justice work:Overlooks opportunities for coalition buildingOverlooks opportunities for coalition building Is more fragmented and isolatedIs more fragmented and isolatedMay be competitive and divisiveMay be competitive and divisiveCan lead to guilt or disempowermentCan lead to guilt or disempowerment Is not connected to an overarching set of Is not connected to an overarching set of

shared valuesshared valuesLacks a cohesive and unified vision!Lacks a cohesive and unified vision!

Addendum

4242

Race and ClassRace and Class From this nation’s inception, the race line was usFrom this nation’s inception, the race line was us

ed to demarcate and patrol the divide between ted to demarcate and patrol the divide between those who constituted the “We” in “We The Peoplhose who constituted the “We” in “We The People.”e.”

Race is a critical part of the construction of classRace is a critical part of the construction of class-as-merit. It is this individualistic ideology that hel-as-merit. It is this individualistic ideology that helps to defeat class solidarity. ps to defeat class solidarity.

According to economists Alberto Alesina and EdAccording to economists Alberto Alesina and Edwans Glaeser, much of the difference between Awans Glaeser, much of the difference between America and European welfare systems can be exmerica and European welfare systems can be explained by racial heterogeneity.plained by racial heterogeneity.

Addendum

4343

Race and ClassRace and Class

Many today argue that class, not Many today argue that class, not race, is the greatest cleavage in race, is the greatest cleavage in American society American society

There is a fear that talking about race will There is a fear that talking about race will take away from class and economic take away from class and economic concernsconcerns

Race and class, however, cannot be so Race and class, however, cannot be so easily separated easily separated

Addendum

4444

Race and ClassRace and Class

As related sociological phenomena, race As related sociological phenomena, race and class analyses are strongest when and class analyses are strongest when employed togetheremployed together

Race and class are mutually constitutiveRace and class are mutually constitutiveDifferential treatment of indentured servants Differential treatment of indentured servants

and black slaves—led to barriers in collective and black slaves—led to barriers in collective organizationorganization

Led to racial distinction—middle class Led to racial distinction—middle class individualism and the black underclass as individualism and the black underclass as “unworthy”“unworthy”

Addendum

4545

Race and ClassRace and Class

Race left a heavy footprint on classRace left a heavy footprint on classEntrenched racial divide continues todayEntrenched racial divide continues todayWhite face on the suburban middle class, White face on the suburban middle class,

allowed for stereotyping of the “black welfare allowed for stereotyping of the “black welfare queen”—which prevented the development of queen”—which prevented the development of a welfare state similar to Europe or Canadaa welfare state similar to Europe or Canada

Racial associations made with certain Racial associations made with certain occupations—example of class and race occupations—example of class and race interactinginteracting

Addendum

4646

Connecting Race and ClassConnecting Race and Class

Class may be understood even less than race, but it Class may be understood even less than race, but it is important to recognize it as equally a cultural and is important to recognize it as equally a cultural and economic formationeconomic formation

Transformative potential lies in realizing the link Transformative potential lies in realizing the link between race and class—apply the knowledge of between race and class—apply the knowledge of the limitations of middle-class merit thinking with the the limitations of middle-class merit thinking with the best scholarship on racebest scholarship on race

A progressive agenda must account for race and not A progressive agenda must account for race and not use class as a proxy. The most successful multi-use class as a proxy. The most successful multi-racial, multi-class progressive movements in the racial, multi-class progressive movements in the United States tackled race directly United States tackled race directly

Addendum

4747

Integration vs. Integration vs. DesegregationDesegregation

““The word segregation represents a system that is prohiThe word segregation represents a system that is prohibitive; it denies the Negro equal access to schools, parkbitive; it denies the Negro equal access to schools, parks, restaurants, libraries and the like. Desegregation is elis, restaurants, libraries and the like. Desegregation is eliminative and negative, for it simply removes these legal minative and negative, for it simply removes these legal and social prohibitions.”and social prohibitions.”

““Integration is creative, and is therefore more profound aIntegration is creative, and is therefore more profound and far-reaching than desegregation. Integration is the pond far-reaching than desegregation. Integration is the positive acceptance of desegregation and the welcomed pasitive acceptance of desegregation and the welcomed participation of Negroes into the total range of human activirticipation of Negroes into the total range of human activities.”ties.”

““Integration is genuine intergroup, interpersonal doing. DIntegration is genuine intergroup, interpersonal doing. Desegregation then, rightly, is only a short-range goal. esegregation then, rightly, is only a short-range goal. IntIntegration is the ultimate goal of our national community.egration is the ultimate goal of our national community.””

Source: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “The Ethical Demands of Integration.” December 27, 1962. Addendum