Opting Out

Losing the Potential of America's Young Black Elite

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology, Reference & Language, Education & Teaching
Cover of the book Opting Out by Maya A. Beasley, University of Chicago Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Maya A. Beasley ISBN: 9780226040127
Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publication: July 24, 2012
Imprint: University of Chicago Press Language: English
Author: Maya A. Beasley
ISBN: 9780226040127
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication: July 24, 2012
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Language: English

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.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

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.

More books from University of Chicago Press

Cover of the book Antony Gormley on Sculpture by Maya A. Beasley
Cover of the book Distorting the Law by Maya A. Beasley
Cover of the book The Red Atlas by Maya A. Beasley
Cover of the book The Common Cause by Maya A. Beasley
Cover of the book The Seductions of Quantification by Maya A. Beasley
Cover of the book Photography, Trace, and Trauma by Maya A. Beasley
Cover of the book Machiavelli's Virtue by Maya A. Beasley
Cover of the book The Nature of Legal Interpretation by Maya A. Beasley
Cover of the book The Chicago Guide to Fact-Checking by Maya A. Beasley
Cover of the book A Feast for the Eyes by Maya A. Beasley
Cover of the book Beasts at Bedtime by Maya A. Beasley
Cover of the book Oscar Wilde Prefigured by Maya A. Beasley
Cover of the book The Moral Neoliberal by Maya A. Beasley
Cover of the book The Miles Davis Lost Quintet and Other Revolutionary Ensembles by Maya A. Beasley
Cover of the book Michael Polanyi and His Generation by Maya A. Beasley
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy