Black Underclass

by Douglas G. Glasgow

With these striking words, Douglas G. Glasgow, professor of social welfare at Howard University, begins this memorable book on a segment of the population that neither antipoverty nor headstart programs have been able to touch. It is based on intensive research he himself conducted in Watts between 1965 and 1968. with a followup in 1975. Concentrating on a group of so-called "problem" youths between the ages of 18 and 34, whom he came to know well, he analyzes the reasons why a black underclass continues to exist in this country, offers new understanding of the aspirations, and motivations of ghetto youth and adds an important dimension to the debate of race vs. class.

206 pages, Paperback

First published February 12, 1981