"The Declining Significance of Race"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines "The Declining Significance of Race" by William Wilson. It evaluates which of Wilson's points remain relevant in examining race and class relations today. It then examines the book's weaknesses, such as the presentation of African-Americans as a monolithic culture. In the conclusion, the paper finds that Wilson's book remains an insightful starting point, however it also suggests that more studies remain to be done regarding how social stratification by race, gender and class continue to be relevant.

Table of Contents:
Wilson's Thesis
Sociology Of Minority Group Relations

From the Paper:

"Additionally, recasting "minority group" in class-based terms opens new opportunities for addressing poverty. Instead of recycling race-based policies that benefit those who are already economically-secure, anti-poverty programs should look towards helping those who are economically-disadvantaged, regardless of their race. Wilson's suggestions included WPA-style work programs. To these suggestions, this paper also recommends daycare programs in poor neighborhoods, after-school and mentorship programs for older children and funding clinics for low-income urban residents. These combined programs would go a long way towards providing an economically-poor minority with resources to help them improve their life chances."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Wilson, William Julius. The Declining Significance of Race. New York: Knopf, 1978.
• Wilson, William Julius. When Work Disappears: The World of the New Urban Poor. New York: Knopf, 1996.
• Zweig, Michael. Working Class Majority. New York: ILR Press, 2002.

More papers on "The Declining Significance of Race":

• Argumentative Essay # 58360 : "The Social Construction of Race"
• Research Paper # 63007 : "The Continuing Role of Race in Capital Cases"
• Analytical Essay # 104447 : "The Social Aspects of Race"

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