Structural Inequality and the Endangered Status of Black Youth

High School Reform And Black Male Students

“…Success for one individual reduces the probability of success for another. The institution of education mimics the economy in several respects, including its inverted pyramidal structure with wide clusters of individuals at the bottom and much fewer at the top (Hare, 1987). Many people earn high school diplomas, a smaller number have college degrees, fewer still earn master's degrees, and a relatively tiny percentage earn doctorates and advanced professional degrees.…”

“…Numerous studies have chronicled the troubled status of Black male youth in school and in social life. In the mid 1980s, several authors referred to Black male youth as "endangered species" for these reasons (Gibbs, 1988;Hare, 1987;Hare & Castenell, 1985). The metaphor was based mainly on the increasing numbers of Black men at risk of school failure and in the criminal justice system coupled with their shrinking numbers in the higher education pipeline and in gainful employment.…”

“…What has been the impact of the experiences of Black men on the development of their identity and self-concept? Whether it is perceived failure in the labor market or in educational pursuits, Black men are socialized to view their self-worth as somewhat less than that of others (Hare, 1987) and their locus of control as relatively lower (Parrott, 1984). Kunjufu (1986) asserted that the social institution that contributes most flagrantly to the destruction of the aspirations of Black men is the public education system.…”

Cultural Issues in Comprehensive School Reform

“…Cultural norms and values embedded in U.S. social, political, and economic institutions have resulted in the African American male becoming an "endangered" species (Gibbs, 1988;Hare, 1987;Jordan & Cooper, 2003). Not since the "lynching debates" of the early 20th century have Black boys and young men received so much attention and concern (Harris & Duhon, 1999).…”