Opting out : losing the potential of America's young black elite / Maya A. Beasley.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Beasley, Maya A.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

African Americans--Employment.

African Americans.

African Americans--Education (Higher).

Discrimination in employment.

Income distribution--United States.

Income distribution.

United States.

Physical Description:

x, 225 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Chicago : University of Chicago Press, 2011.

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 under-represented in the highest-paying fields, such as science, engineering, information technology, and finance? Drawing on Maya A. Beasley's in-depth interviews with black and white juniors at two of the nation's most elite universities, Opting Out examines why some talented black undergraduates pursue lower-paying, lower-status careers despite being amply qualified for more prosperous ones. Book jacket.

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.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780226040134

0226040135

9780226040141

0226040143

OCLC:

711050881