Black Politics Today: The Era of Socioeconomic Transition (Routledge Series on Identity Politics)

The late 1980s ushered in a new era of black politics, the socioeconomic transition era. Coming on the heels of the protest era and politics era, the current stage is characterized by the emergence of a new black middle class that came of age after the Civil Rights struggle. Although class still isn’t a strong factor in the external politics of the black community, it is increasingly a wedge issue in the community’s internal politics. Black politics today is increasingly less about the interest of the larger group and more about the interest of smaller subgroups within the community. Theodore J. Davis Jr. argues that the greatest threat to the social and political cohesiveness of the so-called black community may be the rise of a socially and economically privileged group among the ranks of black America. This rift has affected blacks’ ability to organize effectively and influence politics. Davis traces the changes in economic status, public opinion, political power and participation, and leadership over three generations of black politics. The result is an insightful analysis of black politics today. The late 1980s ushered in a new era of black politics, the socioeconomic transition era. Coming on the heels of the protest era and politics era, the current stage is characterized by the emergence of a new black middle class that came of age after the Civil Rights struggle. Although class still isn t a strong factor in the external politics of the black community, it is increasingly a wedge issue in the community 's internal politics. Black politics today is increasingly less about the interest of the larger group and more about the interest of smaller subgroups within the community. Theodore J. Davis Jr. argues that the greatest threat to the social and political cohesiveness of the so-called black community may be the rise of a socially and economically privileged group among the ranks of black America. This rift has affected blacks ability to organize effectively and influence politics. Davis traces the changes in economic status, public opinion, political power and participation, and leadership over three generations of black politics. The result is an insightful analysis of black politics today Cover 1 Black Politics Today: The Era of Socioeconomic Transition 4 Copyright 5 Contents 8 List of figures 9 List of Tables 11 AcKnowledgements 13 1. Black Politics Today: The Evolution 14 2. A Community in Transition and Dividing by Class 35 3. The Foundations for a Political Divide 58 4. Attitudes and Perceptions in Black and White: What They Suggest About Race and Politics 75 5. Blacks’ Public Opinion Today: A Question of Consensus 95 6. Black Politics and the Continuing Struggle for Political Infl uence in the Socioeconomic Transition Era 110 7. Black Political Leadership Today 135 8. Beyond Socioeconomic Status: Other Factors Infl uencing Black Politics Today 155 Notes 169 Bibliography 183 Index 192 The Era of Socioeconomic Transition Black Politics Today : The Evolution -- A Community In Transition And Dividing By Class -- The Foundations For A Political Divide -- Attitudes And Perceptions In Black And White : What They Suggests About Race And Politics -- Blacks' Public Opinion Today : A Question Of Consensus -- Black Politics And The Continuing Struggle For Political Influence In The Socioeconomic Transition Era -- Black Political Leadership Today -- Beyond Socioeconomic Status : Other Factors Influencing Black Politics Today. Theodore J. Davis Jr. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.