Black Politics in Conservative America

Black Politics in Conservative America provides an historical overview of blacks' socioeconomic position in American society and in the postindustrial class structure, and promotes an agenda for change. The text begins with an examination of specific political arenas and reveals their inherently conservative functions, despite the efforts made within them for change. This introduction is followed by several chapters on alternatives that argue for the creation of a tightly organized political coalition of disinherited groups, employing a diversified and multi-front strategy from within and outside the existing system, with goals that include altering both the political and economic structures that have long helped to perpetuate blacks' inferior position. For African Americans, this is particularly vital if the vestiges of slavery are finally to be eradicated and justice attained. Maintaining an historical perspective within a political-economic orientation, Black Politics in Conservative America is appropriate for use as a core textbook or supplementary text in courses throughout the social sciences, including departments of political science, sociology, urban studies and African-American studies.