Overview

When first published in 1980, The Declining Significance of Race immediately sparked controversy with its contentious thesis that race was becoming less of a deciding factor in the life chances of black Americans than class. This new edition of the seminal book includes a new afterword in which William Julius Wilson not only reflects on the debate surrounding the book, but also presents a provocative discussion of race, class, and social policy. “The intellectual strength of this book lies in his capacity to integrate disparate findings from historical studies, social theory and research on contemporary trends into a complex and original synthesis that challenges widespread assumptions about the cause of black disadvantage and the way to remove it.”—Paul Starr, New York Times Book Review “This publication is easily one of the most erudite and sober diagnoses of the American black situation. Students of race relations and anybody in a policy-making position cannot afford to bypass this study.”—Ernest Manheim, Sociology

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9780226901411

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Reviews

William Julius Wilson has written a profound and provocative book that is destined to become a classic in the field. He has articulated the issues with which future researchers will have to deal. Truly, he has made a contribution to social science. (Wilson Record, American Journal of Sociology) The intellectual strength of this book lies in his capacity to integrate disparate findings from historical studies, social theory, and research on contemporary trends into a complex and original synthesis that challenges wide-spread assumptions about the cause of black disadvantage and the way to remove it. (Paul Starr, New York Times Book Review) This publication is easily one of the most erudite and sober diagnoses of the American black situation. Students of race relations and anybody in a policy-making position cannot afford to bypass this study. (Ernest Manheim, Sociology)

Author Information

William Julius Wilson is the Lewis P. and Linda L. Geyser University Professor at Harvard University.

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