The Truly Disadvantaged: The Inner City, the Underclass, and Public Policy
by William Julius Wilson
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Description
"Renowned American sociologist William Julius Wilson takes a look at the social transformation of inner city ghettos, offering a sharp evaluation of the convergence of race and poverty. Rejecting both conservative and liberal interpretations of life in the inner city, Wilson offers essential information and a number of solutions to policymakers. The Truly Disadvantaged is a wide-ranging examination, looking at the relationship between race, employment, and education from the 1950s onwards, show more with surprising and provocative findings. This second edition also includes a new afterword from Wilson himself that brings the book up to date and offers fresh insight into its findings."--Publisher's website. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
A classic contribution to the debate on urban poverty in America in which Wilson argued forcefully for the need to recognize the importance of structural factors in the difficulties faced by poor, inner-city African Americans. Still required reading for anyone interested in urban policy, poverty, or race in the USA, although it doesn't seem quite as fresh as it once did, simply because it was so influential and many of the ideas that he presents have become an accepted part of the conventional wisdom. My only complaint about this book is that it seems somewhat disjointed. Much of the content was initially published in article form, and while it was revised, more effort could definitely have gone into pulling things together into show more smoother, more unified argument. show less
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A micracle of common sense [delineating] a policy for the next era of American reform.
added by GYKM
The Truly Disadvantaged should spur critical rethinking in many quarters about the causes and potential remedies for inner-city poverty. As policy makers grapple with the problems of an enlarged underclass, they—as well as community leaders and concerned Americans of all races—would be well advised to examine Mr. Wilson's incisive analysis.
added by GYKM
Required reading for anyone, presidential candidate or private citizen, who really wants to address the growing plight of the black urban underclass.
added by GYKM
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Blue Pyramid 1,276 Best Books of All Time
1,248 works; 32 members
Author Information
18+ Works 1,468 Members
William Julius Wilson, an American sociologist, received his Ph.D. from Washington State University in 1966 and teaches at the University of Chicago. His scholarly work, written from both historical and sociological perspectives, has concentrated on the condition of African Americans living in inner cities, especially the underclass. He stresses show more urban divisions separating the middle class from the poor. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Awards and Honors
Classifications
- Genres
- Sociology, Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, Economics, Politics and Government
- DDC/MDS
- 362.50973 — Society, government, & culture Social problems and social services Social Welfare Poor (from social service perspectives) Biography; History By Place North America United States
- LCC
- HV4045 .W55 — Social sciences Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Protection, assistance and relief Poor in cities. Slums
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 363
- Popularity
- 86,447
- Reviews
- 2
- Rating
- (3.96)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 4
- ASINs
- 2
