Black Families and Recession in the United States
The Enduring Impact of the Great Recession of 2007–2009
Routledge Research in Race and Ethnicity Series

Black Families and the Recession in the United States goes beyond the massive loss of property among African Americans during the Great Recession of 2007?2009. It connects the housing experience to broader systems of inequality in America. Following the Great Recession of 2007?2009, the US elections of 2008, the impact of COVID-19, and widespread demonstrations resulting from the murder of George Floyd by police, the sociopolitical and economic status of Blacks in the United States is at a critical point in history, with demand for major transformation.

The authors reveal a history of racist practices against Blacks in many systems, including education, policing, incarceration, wealth transmission, voting restrictions, and housing segregation. The social costs of the recession are manifested in the daily lives of African American families.

In addition to financial losses, African Americans are more likely to be plagued with issues related to poverty, chronic illnesses, and lack of trust of social and economic institutions. Research, policy, and practical implications of this research include identifying social and economic supports unique to African Americans and determining strategies to strengthen families; paramount to addressing racial disparities. The interdisciplinary focus of this book appeals to a wide audience and areas of study.

1. Introduction and Overview

2. Perspectives and Theoretical Frameworks for Studying African American Families

3. Race and its use in American Society

4. The Great Recession of 2007–2009: Causes, Consequences, and Impact on African American Family Life

5. Housing and Wealth: How the Great Recession Shattered the American Dream

6. How the Great Recession Changed Household Economics for African Americans

7. The Widening of the Racial Wealth Gap during and after the Great Recession

8. The Impact of Incarceration on African American Families

9. Progress in African American Communities during the Obama Administration and Beyond

10. Discussion

Dorothy Smith-Ruiz is Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is author or editor of several books, including Contemporary African American Families.

Albert M. Kopak is Associate Professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Western Carolina University.