Few research studies focus on middle class Blacks. This paper analyzes historical and contemporary perspectives of the group and illustrates how social mobility and social change influence the economic and political competitiveness of Blacks. Approaches and techniques for studying Blacks as part of the larger society are suggested. (VM)

The theoretical orientation of this study of the extended, black, middle-class, is two-fold: (1) the socialization of children in black families differs from other families because of their nonsupportive wider environment, and (2) the extended kin network facilitates upward mobility. To test these hypotheses, 305 black parents were questionned…

Criticizes the general acceptance by social scientists of the "culture of poverty" thesis as regards Blacks. Through anecdotes and interviews from the writings of Robert Coles, shows that the values and goals of Black Americans are generally oriented toward education, hard work, and economic advancement. (GC)

In a review of historical efforts to improve the condition of the poor by education, it is noted that these attempts failed to lessen the problems of poverty. In the past the capitalist factory system demanded a cheap labor supply and therefore education was viewed only as a necessary vocational preparation. The contemporary issues of poverty and…

A careful review of all of E. Franklin Frazier's writings dealing with the Black middle class will put into perspective the distorted view many people have regarding his criticism in "Black Bourgeoisie" of the attitudes and behavior of the Black middle class. (EB)

Study concludes that stable jobs among blacks are associated with high levels of personal satisfaction but not political conservatism, since awareness of group deprivation and desire to protest are independent of personal achievement and are not frustrated responses to blocked ambition. (DM)

THIS 1948 LECTURE ON THE SOCIALIZATION AND MENTAL ACTIVITIES OF NEGRO AND WHITE MIDDLE- AND LOWER-CLASS CHILDREN DISCUSSES (1) THE STRUCTURE OF REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS AMONG MIDDLE- AND LOWER-CLASS PERSONS, (2) THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL CLASS ON PROBLEM SOLVING IN STANDARDIZED MENTAL TESTS, (3) THE NATURE OF PROBLEM-SOLVING ACTIVITIES AND MENTAL…

Presents a rationale for conceptualizing the black personality with a focus on the black male. (DM)

In spite of separatist efforts to retain a distinctive black culture in America, the blacks, like other racial groups, will ultimately be absorbed into the mainstream of American life. It cannot be otherwise. (JB)

Discrimination against the Black American Student on college campuses, and its current less blatant forms are discussed. The subtle pattern of discrimination is reflected in the curriculum, in the testing and grading systems, and in cultural events. The bulk of the paper suggests remedies and alleviations for the situation. New entrance…

Interpretations of empirical findings on the current trend of economic deterioration among blacks lay blame on the victims instead of on racism and the economics of capitalism. This special issue presents findings of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, with articles interpreting the data along the lines of theories developed by black…

THIS ARTICLE DESCRIBES SOME OF THE EDUCATIONAL INEQUALITIES IN GHETTO SCHOOLS AND THE SUBSEQUENT DEMORALIZATION OF MANY PERSONS WHO ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THEM. NEGRO PARENTS RESENT THE CRITICISM THAT THEY ARE INDIFFERENT TO EDUCATION AND THE SCHOOLS. HOWEVER, THIS CRITICISM MIGHT BE UNJUST BECAUSE THIS APPEARANCE OF INDIFFERENCE OFTEN STEMS FROM…

This paper explores behavior patterns of lower class black adolescents and contends that their seemingly illogical and irrational behavior is, in fact, meaningful and utilitarian within the context of their environments. The effects of social and residential segregation and the lack of stable social institutions reinforce strong feelings of group…