In the United States, most local jurisdictions are challenged as they seek to maintain fiscal strength. But majority-Black jurisdictions are uniquely burdened due to legacy and contemporary racist and racialized policies and racial capitalism. Leaders in majority-Black locales make harsher budget trade-offs than those in majority-White…

Discusses family therapy with members of the Black middle class in terms of family systems theory. Provides the clinician with insights into dynamics of family functioning in the Black community. Considers whether White therapists can work effectively with Black families. Empirical findings available from individual therapy are considered.…

Discusses the way in which natural community contexts influence early language socialization and behavior. Compares approaches to language usage and literacy in Black middle- and lower-class families in a particular Southern community. (RJC)

Calls for redefinition of the "Black middle class," based on (1) measurement of Blacks and Whites by uniform criteria, and (2) consideration of a group's relationship to the means of production. Stresses the need for research on the role of structural factors in the development of racial and class consciousness. (Author/GC)

This report reviews sociological research pertaining to marriage and family relations among blacks. Mate selection, economics in marriage, sexual relations, and the importance of children are among the topics examined. Observations and hypotheses about black social status are applied to research findings on family life in general, and contrasts…

Literature relevant to the needs assessment of children 5 to 12 years of age is reviewed and variables demonstrated to be factors in healthy or deviant behavior are identified. Problems addressed in the review of literature range from school maladjustment through social deviancy to schizophrenia. Five categories of studies are considered: (1)…