The Failures of Integration: How Race and Class Are Undermining the American Dream

by Sheryll Cashin

On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court unanimously declared that separate educational facilities for blacks and whites are inherently "unequal" and, as such, violate the 14th Amendment. The landmark decision, Brown v. Board of Education, sounded the death knell for legal segregation, but fifty years later, de facto segregation in America thrives. And Sheryll Cashin believes that it is getting worse.The Failures of Integration is a provocative look at how segregation by race and class is ruining American democracy. Only a small minority of the affluent are truly living the American Dream, complete with attractive, job-rich suburbs, reasonably low taxes, good public schools, and little violent crime. For the remaining majority of Americans, segregation comes with stratospheric costs. In a society that sets up "winner" and "loser" communities and schools defined by race and class, racial minorities in particular are locked out of the "winner" column. African-Americans bear the heaviest burden. But with the expensive price tag attached to "winner" communities, middle-income whites also struggle to afford homes in good neighborhoods with acceptable schools.What's worse is that we've come to accept our segregated society. Most whites have bought into the psychology of the the idea that separating themselves from different races and classes is the only sure route to better opportunity. African-Americans, on the other hand, have become integration weary. Many escape to affluent all-black enclaves in hopes of thriving among their own, even as they attempt to insulate themselves from their less advantaged brothers and sisters. Sheryll Cashin shows why this separation is not working for most Americans.In a rapidly diversifying America, Cashin argues, we need a radical transformation-a jettisoning of the now ingrained assumption that separation is acceptable-in order to solve the riddle of inequality. Our public policy choices must be premised on an integrationist vision if we are to achieve our highest aspiration and pursue the dream that America says it full and equal opportunity for all.

Genres: Nonfiction, Race, Education, American History, History, Politics, Sociology

320 pages, Hardcover

First published March 24, 2004

Reviews

[Scott F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cashin's scattershot writing style annoyed me a bit while reading this; she jumps around a whole lot, with laundry lists of neighborhoods, suburbs and cities that support her arguments. Nevertheless, this is an excellent introduction to race and class segregation in America and its ill effects on all of us. Too often, these problems are considered solved and dismissed, and this book certainly opened my eyes to how profoundly untrue that is.

While nationwide in its scope, The Failures of Integration is especially interesting if you live near Washington, D.C. due to a lot of examples from the region.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book. Cashin writes a convincing argument for the need for residential integration as a strategy to reduce inequalities across race and class. She uses many examples from Washington, D.C. which I found especially salient. It becomes clear that barriers to integration have not been resolved after civil rights legislation in the 60s.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the true cost of living secregated lives was counted, I am still not sure that it would motivate a change in behavior. A fascinating look at the social and financial costs of prejudice (race AND class). If a spiritual component could be added, it could be explosive . . . but perhaps not enough to motivate a change in behavior.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author outlines the causes of de facto segregation in the US today as well as its costs to both minorities and the majority whites, which are surprising. She proposes three steps to help overcome it and benefit individuals in the lower and middle socioeconomic classes (that's you and me, baby) as well as the country as a whole.

[Devin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is really insightful on how ignorant Americans generally are concerning black rights and integration; but I really found it boring and didn't realy enjoy it too much.

[Ayelet Waldman]

After reading this book I felt like I had to sell my house and move to a more integrated neighborhood. Thank God my kids go to an integrated school. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

[Paul Froehlich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our society is rigidly segregated by race and class, Cashin writes, but that is not inevitable. She suggests public policies that would promote integration. It starts with a vision of a socioeconomically integrated society, with affordable housing well dispersed throughout all communities and with no high-poverty schools. Alas, such a vision is not widely shared. People would rather pay lip-service to "equal opportunity" than to do what is necessary to make it real.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't let the 3 stars put you off of this book. The book is weak on the way the arguments are delivered, but her diagnosis of the problem: separatism founded on race and class, the zero-sum game that makes some places "winners" and others "losers" is right on.

[barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fascinating look at race, class, neighborhoods and the effect of prejudicial attitudes (some insidiously subconscious) on the makeup of our cities.

[Heidi Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

My all time favorite book in the field of sociology. Well written without bias but also without apology.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is interesting and raises important questions, but I frequently disagreed with the author.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever wanted to have a really frank conversation with a well-educated person about race? Here's your opportunity. Read it.

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time I've completely read a book on this subject. I never thought about race and class dynamics the way she states in this book. My takeaway is to read her latest book, Place not Race.

[Elizabeth]

As recommended by Ed from the U of C alumni bookclub.