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Why Both Social Structure and Culture Matter in a Holistic Analysis of Inner-City Poverty

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  • William Julius Wilson

    (Harvard University)

Abstract

A complex web of racialist and nonracialist structural forces, along with cultural forces, have adversely impacted life in inner-city black neighborhoods. Yet a number of studies have raised questions about the real effects of living in such neighborhoods, including the widely cited studies on the Moving to Opportunity experiment. The author highlights studies that provide compelling evidence for considering the cumulative effects of residing in poor segregated neighborhoods. While some of these are structural, others are cultural, such as the effects of prolonged exposure to cultural traits that originate from or are the products of racial exclusion. Advancing the argument that structural conditions provide the context within which cultural responses to chronic economic and racial subordination are developed, the author suggests a holistic public policy perspective whereby the complex web of structural and cultural factors that create and reinforce racial inequality is recognized and appreciated. To illustrate this perspective, he highlights the Harlem Children’s Zone, which President Obama has identified as a model for the creation of a national program of “promised neighborhoods†to address chronic racial and economic subordination.

Suggested Citation

  • William Julius Wilson, 2010. "Why Both Social Structure and Culture Matter in a Holistic Analysis of Inner-City Poverty," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 629(1), pages 200-219, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:629:y:2010:i:1:p:200-219
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716209357403
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Will Dobbie & Roland G. Fryer, Jr, 2009. "Are High Quality Schools Enough to Close the Achievement Gap? Evidence from a Social Experiment in Harlem," NBER Working Papers 15473, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. repec:pri:cheawb:kling_mto481 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. repec:pri:indrel:dsp01qz20ss50t is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Jeffrey R. Kling & Jeffrey B. Liebman & Lawrence F. Katz & Lisa Sanbonmatsu, 2004. "Moving to Opportunity and Tranquility: Neighborhood Effects on Adult Economic Self-Sufficiency and Health From a Randomized Housing Voucher Experiment," Working Papers 5, Princeton University, Department of Economics, Industrial Relations Section..
    5. William N. Evans & Wallace E. Oates & Robert M. Schwab & William N. Evans & Wallace E. Oates & Robert M. Schwab, 2004. "Measuring Peer Group Effects: A Study of Teenage Behavior," Chapters, in: Environmental Policy and Fiscal Federalism, chapter 13, pages 232-257, Edward Elgar Publishing.
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