More Than Just Race: Being Black and Poor in the Inner City

Super Short Summary

In More Than Just Race by William Julius Wilson, the author examines the structural and cultural contributors to the poverty, high incarceration rates, and social problems faced by inner-city African American males. He argues that globalization, the digital revolution, and geographical isolation have disproportionately affected African Americans, largely due to nonracial political and economic forces, despite Jim Crow's end. The book addresses historical issues such as redlining, suburbanization, and unequal education funding. Wilson discusses the rise of inner-city joblessness, the impact of welfare changes, and critiques the cultural perceptions hindering African American males. He emphasizes that policy solutions must account for both structural and cultural factors rather than placing sole responsibility on individuals. Sensitive topics include poverty, racial discrimination, and incarceration.