Opting out : losing the potential of America's young black elite / Maya A. Beasley.
2011
HD8081.A65 B43 2011 (Mapit)
Available at General Collection
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Details
Title
Opting out : losing the potential of America's young black elite / Maya A. Beasley.
Author
Beasley, Maya A.
ISBN
9780226040141 (pbk. : alk. paper)
0226040143 (pbk. : alk. paper)
9780226040134 (alk. paper)
0226040135 (alk. paper)
0226040143 (pbk. : alk. paper)
9780226040134 (alk. paper)
0226040135 (alk. paper)
Imprint
Chicago : University of Chicago Press, 2011.
Language
English
Description
x, 225 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.
Call Number
HD8081.A65 B43 2011
Dewey Decimal Classification
331.6/396073
Summary
"Why has the large income gap between blacks and whites persisted for decades after the passage of civil rights legislation? More specifically, why do African Americans remain substantially underrepresented in the highest-paying professions, such as science, engineering, information technology, and finance? A sophisticated study of racial disparity, Opting Out examines why some talented black undergraduates pursue lower-paying, lower-status careers despite being amply qualified for more prosperous ones. To explore these issues, Maya A. Beasley conducted in-depth interviews with black and white juniors at two of the nation's most elite universities, one public and one private. Beasley identifies a set of complex factors behind these students' career aspirations, including the anticipation of discrimination in particular fields; the racial composition of classes, student groups, and teaching staff; student values; and the availability of opportunities to network. Ironically, Beasley also discovers, campus policies designed to enhance the academic and career potential of black students often reduce the diversity of their choices. Shedding new light on the root causes of racial inequality, Opting Out will be essential reading for parents, educators, students, scholars, and policymakers."--Provided by publisher.
Bibliography, etc. Note
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Record Appears in
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Table of Contents
Introduction
The significance of history
Family effects : is it really just a matter of money?
The role of the university
Majority rules : apprehension, racism, and racial representation in occupations
Stereotype threat : where have all our scientists gone?
The value of work : careers that matter
It's all about connections
Conclusion.
The significance of history
Family effects : is it really just a matter of money?
The role of the university
Majority rules : apprehension, racism, and racial representation in occupations
Stereotype threat : where have all our scientists gone?
The value of work : careers that matter
It's all about connections
Conclusion.