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Natives in a Class Society
Taken from http://www.connexions.org/CxLibrary/C...
Abstract: NATIVES IN A CLASS SOCIETY explains the socio-economic situation of Native people in terms of structural racism. The author defines structural racism as "the lack of opportunity systematically experienced by a racially defined group within our society. This is not to say that there is no opportunity for an Indian child growing up today, but rather that the child's chances for secure life are greatly reduced because of his or her race." From a discussion of "Indian History: Background to Poverty", the author moves to a consideration of education, employment, and crime among Natives in Regina. He explains today's high unemployment, over-incarceration, and "failure" in schools among Natives in terms of the power relationship between Natives and Whites. An important factor in understanding this domination is "a recognition of class strata in our society. These classes are generally dependent on the type of employment of the parents, and carry with them characteristic patterns of socializaiton which are passed from parent to child. This is seen as one of the mechanisms by which inequality is passed on to succeeding generations.
NATIVES IN A CLASS SOCIETY includes much statistical information on income and educational levels of Natives in Regina. Whilfe focused on urban Treaty indians in Regina, its insights are applicable to non-status and poor non-Natives anywhere. The author states that the conditions which plague Native people and others are no accident, but are an integral part of modern society. The book contains an extensive bibliography.
Abstract: NATIVES IN A CLASS SOCIETY explains the socio-economic situation of Native people in terms of structural racism. The author defines structural racism as "the lack of opportunity systematically experienced by a racially defined group within our society. This is not to say that there is no opportunity for an Indian child growing up today, but rather that the child's chances for secure life are greatly reduced because of his or her race." From a discussion of "Indian History: Background to Poverty", the author moves to a consideration of education, employment, and crime among Natives in Regina. He explains today's high unemployment, over-incarceration, and "failure" in schools among Natives in terms of the power relationship between Natives and Whites. An important factor in understanding this domination is "a recognition of class strata in our society. These classes are generally dependent on the type of employment of the parents, and carry with them characteristic patterns of socializaiton which are passed from parent to child. This is seen as one of the mechanisms by which inequality is passed on to succeeding generations.
NATIVES IN A CLASS SOCIETY includes much statistical information on income and educational levels of Natives in Regina. Whilfe focused on urban Treaty indians in Regina, its insights are applicable to non-status and poor non-Natives anywhere. The author states that the conditions which plague Native people and others are no accident, but are an integral part of modern society. The book contains an extensive bibliography.
76 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1988
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