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About this quote

What does it mean?
Creating economic conditions like tight labor markets can reduce racism and the need for affirmative action.
In plain terms
Good economic policies can reduce racism and the need for special programs.
What can you take from it?
Use economic policy to reduce racism indirectly.

Where it applies

  • labor market
  • government policy
  • social reform

Putting it to work

  • create jobs
  • enact labor laws
  • reduce inequality

Questions to consider

  • Can economics solve social bias?
  • What role does policy play in race?

Another view

Economic growth alone does not eliminate cultural prejudice or discrimination.

More from William Julius Wilson

  1. If a multiracial citizen's coalition were in place, it would have the muscle to pressure national public officials to consider seriously the interests of ordin…

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  2. If you're talking about the narrow issue of public assistance, I would like to see us move to a more healthy system.

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  3. I think that social tensions have lessened because of the strong economy, and now is a time where people are concerned about promoting equality, racial equalit…

    Permalink to quote #21

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