Demonstrates that the number of low income or "underclass" Black families has increased over the past decade, while the proportion of low income Black families in the general population has remained relatively unchanged. However, there does not seem to be a widening economic cleavage within the Black community itself. (Author/GC)

This book analyzes key cultural strengths of African American families, arguing that they provide a solid foundation upon which to develop the kind of public policies and self-help initiatives that will genuinely promote the interests of African Americans and diverse peoples nationwide. Nine chapters include (1) "Solutions Framework"…

Conveys some ideas of the impact that the census undercount may have on the allocation of funds to states and cities by focusing on revenue sharing. (Author/AM)

This study of informal adoption patterns among black families throughout the United States examines the role of the extended family and the functioning of a kinship network which includes foster care of children by relatives other than parents. The study's basic mode of investigation was secondary analysis of existing data: quantitative national…

This article presents data which indicate that, contrary to popular belief, the economic gains of many Blacks may have eroded under the combined effects of inflation and recession. (Author/MC)

Young black males account for almost half of all unwed fathers. The average black adolescent unwed father is 17 years old at the birth of his first child, comes from an unusually large family, began having sex at an earlier age than other black men, and has had slightly positive educational and employment experiences. Most also exhibit a high…

The primary purpose of this report was to assess the extent to which multiple benefit participation in governmental economic support programs occurs among the minority poor and jobless. Data were supplied by the National Urban League Black Pulse Survey, which interviewed 3,000 black households in an attempt to assess the needs and status of blacks…

The popular view of a permanent Black underclass falling farther behind an expanding Black middle class is disputed by empirical evidence that the underclass is experiencing upward mobility. The discrepancy stems from social scientists' overreliance on cross-sectional data rather than longitudinal data in analyzing economic change among Blacks.…

The persistent high level of unemployment among young people has become an issue of national concern. This study examines nationwide attitudes, practices, and policies of private employers toward hiring youth. A survey was conducted in 1981-82 among a random cross-sample of 535 private employers taken from the Equal Employment Opportunity…