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Expanding Opportunity for All: Expanding Opportunity for All: Responding to the Situatedness of Responding to the Situatedness of

Marginalized PopulationsMarginalized Populations

john a. powelljohn a. powell

Director, Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and EthnicityDirector, Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and EthnicityWilliams Chair in Civil Rights & Civil Liberties, Moritz College of LawWilliams Chair in Civil Rights & Civil Liberties, Moritz College of Law

Massachusetts Legal Assistance CorporationSymposium on Race

April 14, 2009

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Presentation OverviewPresentation Overview

Race as a dimension of diversityRace as a dimension of diversity Race is a social spaceRace is a social space

How people are situatedHow people are situated Introduction to structural racializationIntroduction to structural racialization Understanding the connections between race, place, and povertyUnderstanding the connections between race, place, and poverty The intersection of race and classThe intersection of race and class

Analyzing policies and perspectivesAnalyzing policies and perspectives Targeted UniversalismTargeted Universalism Systems ThinkingSystems Thinking

Serving clientsServing clients Building on your great work and momentumBuilding on your great work and momentum Acknowledging implicit biasesAcknowledging implicit biases Strategies for addressing the needs of marginalized communitiesStrategies for addressing the needs of marginalized communities

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Race as a Dimension of DiversityRace as a Dimension of Diversity

Race is a social spaceRace is a social space

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Social SpaceSocial Space Race is a social space. Race is a social space.

We have fluidity in terms of our racial identity (or, in reality, We have fluidity in terms of our racial identity (or, in reality, racial identities.) racial identities.)

Situations affect who you are and how you identify. Situations affect who you are and how you identify. For example, it may not be until you’re in a room with full of For example, it may not be until you’re in a room with full of

people of a different race that you become truly aware of people of a different race that you become truly aware of your own race. your own race.

The British did not become “white” until Africans became The British did not become “white” until Africans became “black.”“black.”

In order to notice race, society has to create this category/idea In order to notice race, society has to create this category/idea of race. After it is created, individuals can negotiate it using the of race. After it is created, individuals can negotiate it using the social tools created by society. social tools created by society.

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Racial DiversityRacial Diversity

Racial inclusion, racial diversity, and racial fairness are not the Racial inclusion, racial diversity, and racial fairness are not the same thing.same thing.

We can talk about diversity in terms of individuals or groups.We can talk about diversity in terms of individuals or groups. Adding individuals can increase diversity, but their true impact on Adding individuals can increase diversity, but their true impact on

the larger group depends on whether they are trying to fit into a the larger group depends on whether they are trying to fit into a “pre-made” space or whether they are allowed to alter the group “pre-made” space or whether they are allowed to alter the group space.space.

Analogy: “immigrant country” – space into which one assimilates Analogy: “immigrant country” – space into which one assimilates vs. “settler country” – being able to “re-make” societyvs. “settler country” – being able to “re-make” society

Racial groups are not monolithic.Racial groups are not monolithic. Divisions: class, gender, age, etc.Divisions: class, gender, age, etc.

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Valuing DiversityValuing Diversity Why do organizations value diversity?Why do organizations value diversity?

Many would not be able to explain this.Many would not be able to explain this.

Questions to ask:Questions to ask: Do we view diversity in terms of ‘settlers’ or ‘immigrants’?Do we view diversity in terms of ‘settlers’ or ‘immigrants’? Are we still adhering to old norms?Are we still adhering to old norms? Are we open to re-making our group/organization?Are we open to re-making our group/organization?

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A Post-Racial Society? (or Not?)A Post-Racial Society? (or Not?)

The value placed on racial diversity may reflect a larger The value placed on racial diversity may reflect a larger societal perception of the relevance of race.societal perception of the relevance of race.

A popular discourse following President Obama’s victory A popular discourse following President Obama’s victory was that his win heralded a post-racial society.was that his win heralded a post-racial society. This conclusion is deeply mistaken.This conclusion is deeply mistaken.

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A Post-Racial Society? No.A Post-Racial Society? No. Obama’s victory does not change the facts:Obama’s victory does not change the facts:

Black and Latino children are much more likely than white children Black and Latino children are much more likely than white children to attend high-poverty schools to attend high-poverty schools

A white man with a criminal record is three times more likely than a A white man with a criminal record is three times more likely than a black man with a record to receive consideration for a jobblack man with a record to receive consideration for a job

MMinority home-seekers, many with good credit scores, are steered inority home-seekers, many with good credit scores, are steered disproportionately to high-cost, sub-prime mortgages, thus disproportionately to high-cost, sub-prime mortgages, thus devastating their communities in light of the foreclosure crisisdevastating their communities in light of the foreclosure crisis

By prematurely proclaiming a post-racial status, we ignore the distance we have yet to travel to make this country truly a land of equal opportunity for all, regardless of

racial identity.

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Understanding How People are SituatedUnderstanding How People are Situated

Structural RacializationStructural Racialization

Understanding the connections between race, place, and povertyUnderstanding the connections between race, place, and poverty

The intersection of race and classThe intersection of race and class

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Contrasting PerspectivesContrasting Perspectives

Traditional Understanding {-}Traditional Understanding {-} Structural Understanding {+}Structural Understanding {+}

An independent-isolated-An independent-isolated-individual psychological issueindividual psychological issue

An outcome that results from An outcome that results from interactivity of institutions & actorsinteractivity of institutions & actors

De jureDe jure De factoDe facto

StaticStatic DynamicDynamic

Past, if present an anomalyPast, if present an anomaly PresentPresent

OvertOvert Overt and covertOvert and covert

IrrationalIrrational RationalRational

TautologicalTautological Non-tautological Non-tautological (multidimensional)(multidimensional)

Bonilla-Silva, Eduardo (1997)Bonilla-Silva, Eduardo (1997)

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Structural RacializationStructural Racialization

Structural racialization addresses Structural racialization addresses inter-institutionalinter-institutional arrangements arrangements and interactions. and interactions. It refers to the ways in which the joint operation of institutions It refers to the ways in which the joint operation of institutions

produce racialized outcomes.produce racialized outcomes.

Structural racialization analysis allows for a view of the cumulative effects of institutional arrangements.

How we arrange structures mattersHow we arrange structures matters The order of the structuresThe order of the structures The timing of the interaction between themThe timing of the interaction between them The relationships that exist between themThe relationships that exist between them

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The Web of OpportunityThe Web of Opportunity Opportunities in our society are geographically distributed and Opportunities in our society are geographically distributed and

often clustered throughout metropolitan areas.often clustered throughout metropolitan areas.

This creates “winner” and “loser” communities, or “high” and This creates “winner” and “loser” communities, or “high” and “low” opportunity communities.“low” opportunity communities.

Fair access to these opportunity structures is limited by Fair access to these opportunity structures is limited by various spatial arrangements and policies.various spatial arrangements and policies.

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Opportunity is RacializedOpportunity is Racialized

Structures and policies Structures and policies are not neutral. They are not neutral. They unevenly distribute unevenly distribute benefits and burdens.benefits and burdens.

Institutions can operate Institutions can operate jointly to produce jointly to produce racialized outcomes.racialized outcomes.

This institutional uneven This institutional uneven distribution & racial distribution & racial marking has negative marking has negative consequences for all of consequences for all of us.us.

Lower EducationalOutcomes

Increased Flightof Affluent

Families

Racial and Economic Neighborhood Segregation

SchoolSegregation &

Concentrated Poverty

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Place and Life OutcomesPlace and Life Outcomes

Housing, in particular its Housing, in particular its location, is the primary location, is the primary mechanism for accessing mechanism for accessing opportunity in our societyopportunity in our society

For those living in high poverty For those living in high poverty neighborhoods, these factors neighborhoods, these factors can significantly inhibit life can significantly inhibit life outcomesoutcomes

Individual characteristics still Individual characteristics still matter but so does matter but so does environmentenvironment

Environment can impact Environment can impact individual decision makingindividual decision making

Housing

Childcare Employment

Education

Health

Transportation

Effective Participation

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Opportunity Matters: Opportunity Matters: Neighborhoods & Access to OpportunityNeighborhoods & Access to Opportunity

Your environment has a profound Your environment has a profound impact on your access to impact on your access to opportunity and likelihood of opportunity and likelihood of successsuccess

High poverty areas with poor High poverty areas with poor employment, underperforming employment, underperforming schools, distressed housing and schools, distressed housing and public health/safety risks depress public health/safety risks depress life outcomeslife outcomes A system of disadvantageA system of disadvantage Many manifestationsMany manifestations

Urban, rural, suburbanUrban, rural, suburban

People of color are far more likely People of color are far more likely to live in opportunity deprived to live in opportunity deprived neighborhoods and communitiesneighborhoods and communities

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What are the costs of opportunity isolation?What are the costs of opportunity isolation?

Individual/family costsIndividual/family costs Living in “concentrated disadvantage” reduces student IQ Living in “concentrated disadvantage” reduces student IQ

by 4 points, roughly the equivalent to missing one year of by 4 points, roughly the equivalent to missing one year of school (Sampson 2007)school (Sampson 2007)

Societal costSocietal cost Neighborhoods of concentrated poverty suppress property Neighborhoods of concentrated poverty suppress property

values by nearly 400 billion nationwide (Galster et al 2007)values by nearly 400 billion nationwide (Galster et al 2007)

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Poverty and Race in the U.S.Poverty and Race in the U.S.

Poverty and race -- 2006Poverty and race -- 2006 White (non-Hispanic): 17.9 million in poverty, 9.3% poverty White (non-Hispanic): 17.9 million in poverty, 9.3% poverty

raterate Black: 9.0 million in poverty, 25.3% poverty rateBlack: 9.0 million in poverty, 25.3% poverty rate Asian: 1.4 million in poverty, 10.7% poverty rateAsian: 1.4 million in poverty, 10.7% poverty rate Latino (all Latinos): 9.3 million in poverty, 21.5% poverty rateLatino (all Latinos): 9.3 million in poverty, 21.5% poverty rate

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Poverty DataPoverty Data

Jargowsky, Paul A.  "Stunning Progress, Hidden Problems:  The Dramatic Decline of Concentrated Poverty in the 1990s."  Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy.  The Brookings Institution.  May 2003. 

19191919Source: Brown University & Lewis Mumford Center

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The Spatialization of PovertyThe Spatialization of Poverty

Structural racialization involves a series of exclusions, often Structural racialization involves a series of exclusions, often anchored in (and perpetuating) anchored in (and perpetuating) spatialspatial segregation. segregation.

Historically marginalized people of color and the very poor Historically marginalized people of color and the very poor have been spatially isolated from economic, political, have been spatially isolated from economic, political, educational and technological power via reservations, Jim educational and technological power via reservations, Jim Crow, Appalachian mountains, ghettos, barrios, and the Crow, Appalachian mountains, ghettos, barrios, and the culture of incarceration.culture of incarceration.

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Poverty Map: Boston Metro Area

African Americans in poverty and high

poverty census tracts

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Racialization of PovertyRacialization of Poverty African Americans are disproportionately concentrated in low-African Americans are disproportionately concentrated in low-

opportunity neighborhoodsopportunity neighborhoods

The racial composition of neighborhoods determines the The racial composition of neighborhoods determines the racial balance in schools, hence segregation racial balance in schools, hence segregation

School segregation has been steadily increasing in the ’90sSchool segregation has been steadily increasing in the ’90s11

Half of all African American students attend a central city Half of all African American students attend a central city districtdistrict

Only 1 in 6 white students doesOnly 1 in 6 white students does

Source 1: David Rusk. Trends in School Segregation in Divided we Fail: Coming Together through Public School Choice. The Report of the Century Foundation Task Force on the Common School. 2002.

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Is it getting better?Is it getting better?

Many feel that this racialization of concentrated poverty has Many feel that this racialization of concentrated poverty has improved in recent years. improved in recent years.

In 1960, African-American families in poverty wereIn 1960, African-American families in poverty were 3.83.8 times times more likely to be concentrated in high-poverty neighborhoods more likely to be concentrated in high-poverty neighborhoods than poor whites.than poor whites.

In 2000, they were In 2000, they were 7.37.3 times more likely. times more likely.

Fact Sheet from the Opportunity Agenda, Housing Neighborhoods and Opportunity. http://www.opportunityagenda.org/site/c.mwL5KkN0LvH/b.1433711/k.B7BA/Housing_Fact_Sheet.htm

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NeighborhooNeighborhood d

SegregationSegregation

School SegregationSchool Segregation

Racial stigma, other Racial stigma, other psychological impactspsychological impacts

Job segregationJob segregation

Impacts on community Impacts on community power and individual power and individual

assetsassets

Impacts on Educational Impacts on Educational AchievementAchievement

The Cumulative Impacts of Spatial, Racial and The Cumulative Impacts of Spatial, Racial and Opportunity SegregationOpportunity Segregation

Exposure to crime; arrestExposure to crime; arrest

Transportation limitations Transportation limitations and other inequitable public and other inequitable public servicesservices

Adapted from figure by Barbara Reskin at: http://faculty.washington.edu/reskin/

Segregation impacts a number of life-opportunitiesSegregation impacts a number of life-opportunities

Impacts on HealthImpacts on Health

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Subsidized Housing Policies

DiscriminatoryAnd Unfair Lending

A Housing MarketThat Does Not Serve

the Population

Racial SteeringAnd Discrimination

Exclusionary Zoning

Barriers to Fair Housing:Barriers to Fair Housing:The Web of Housing ChallengesThe Web of Housing Challenges

Housing Challenge

s

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Application of SR Model:Thompson v. HUD

In 1995, six families living in Baltimore public housing filed suit on behalf of 14,000 other low-income families.

In 2005, a federal court ruled that HUD had violated Title VIII of

the Fair Housing Act by failing to affirmatively further fair housing.

HUD had effectively restricted low-income minority families to segregated neighborhoods in the central city.

During the 1990s, 89% of public housing units developed with HUD’s support in the Baltimore Region were in Baltimore City.

The majority – more than 67%– of the City’s Section 8 voucher holders live in census tracts that are 70% - 100% Black.

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SR and the Law

Title VII

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin

Disparate impacts

“Even where an employer is not motivated by discriminatory intent, Title VII prohibits an the employer from using a facially neutral employment practice that has an unjustified adverse impact on members of a protected class.”

http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/vii.html

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Integration Into OpportunityIntegration Into Opportunity

Rethink fair housing…Rethink fair housing…

Segregation is more than just physical isolation; it’s also Segregation is more than just physical isolation; it’s also isolation from opportunity structuresisolation from opportunity structures

Not just integration but integration Not just integration but integration into opportunityinto opportunity

Inclusive fair housing means access to good schools, jobs, Inclusive fair housing means access to good schools, jobs, doctors, child care, transportation, parks, and the civic fabricdoctors, child care, transportation, parks, and the civic fabric

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Communities of Opportunity ModelCommunities of Opportunity Model

Everyone should have fair Everyone should have fair access to critical opportunity access to critical opportunity structures: structures: Physical infrastructurePhysical infrastructure Environmental healthEnvironmental health Educational opportunitiesEducational opportunities Civic engagementCivic engagement

A Community of Opportunity A Community of Opportunity analysis can develop pathways analysis can develop pathways to increase social and to increase social and economic health, benefiting economic health, benefiting everyoneeveryone

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Opening Pathways to Opportunity

What happens when we affirmatively connect people to opportunity?

After implementing economically diverse magnets schools in Wake County, NC, African American student test scores doubled

Children in public housing who moved to the suburbs as part of Chicago’s Gautreaux program were twice as likely to attend college (in comparison to their urban peers) (Rosenbaum)

Despite the flaws in the implementation of MTO, many participants experienced substantial psychological benefits

Moving to opportunity for boys resulted in a 25% decline in depressive/anxiety or dependency problems (2005)

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The Role of Housing PolicyThe Role of Housing Policy

How does housing policy segregate people from opportunity? How does housing policy segregate people from opportunity? Failure to affirm: Race often maps onto opportunity. Subsidized Failure to affirm: Race often maps onto opportunity. Subsidized

housing programs often put families into racially isolated, low-housing programs often put families into racially isolated, low-opportunity areasopportunity areas

Failure to enforce the Fair Housing ActFailure to enforce the Fair Housing Act

How might it integrate people into opportunity instead?How might it integrate people into opportunity instead? Targeted Section 8 vouchersTargeted Section 8 vouchers Connect LIHTC to NCLBConnect LIHTC to NCLB Incentivize the siting of affordable housing in high-opportunity areasIncentivize the siting of affordable housing in high-opportunity areas FHA enforcement: changing times call for changing methods (failure FHA enforcement: changing times call for changing methods (failure

to avert the subprime debacle)to avert the subprime debacle)

32323232Adapted from analysis of the 2000 HUD Picture of Subsidized Housing

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Greater Boston Area Opportunity Map with Subsidized Housing Overlay

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The Intersection of Race and ClassThe Intersection of Race and Class

Another part of understanding how people are situated involves Another part of understanding how people are situated involves reflecting on the intersection of race and class.reflecting on the intersection of race and class.

Class is often used as a proxy for race. Class is often used as a proxy for race. Less controversial; less divisiveLess controversial; less divisive

Among the problems with using class as a proxy:Among the problems with using class as a proxy: Using a class lens is too narrow.Using a class lens is too narrow. Class is used to evade the race issue rather than address it.Class is used to evade the race issue rather than address it.

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The Intersection of Race and ClassThe Intersection of Race and Class

Race left a lasting imprint on how we perceive class.Race left a lasting imprint on how we perceive class. For example, the white face on the suburban middle class For example, the white face on the suburban middle class

allowed for stereotyping of the “Black welfare queen”allowed for stereotyping of the “Black welfare queen”

Racial associations and assumptions are made with certain Racial associations and assumptions are made with certain occupations – an example of class and race interacting.occupations – an example of class and race interacting.

Both race and class are composites.Both race and class are composites. MultidimensionalMultidimensional

Race and class give meaning socially and institutionally.Race and class give meaning socially and institutionally.

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Intersectionality v. IntrasectionalityIntersectionality v. Intrasectionality

In intIn interersectionality, the components (race, gender, sectionality, the components (race, gender, etc.) are seemingly external and static. etc.) are seemingly external and static.

With intWith intrarasectionality, the components are being sectionality, the components are being remade and changed by their interactions. remade and changed by their interactions. Essentially, the interactions are interacting. Essentially, the interactions are interacting.

Barad, Karen. Meeting the Universe Halfway (2007)

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Intrasectionality The self is an intersubjective viewpoint.The self is an intersubjective viewpoint.

Our own understandings of ourselves interact with the views Our own understandings of ourselves interact with the views that others hold about us.that others hold about us.

Multiple selvesMultiple selves

“ “We are all androgynous, not only because we are all born of a We are all androgynous, not only because we are all born of a woman impregnated by the seed of a man but because each of woman impregnated by the seed of a man but because each of us, helplessly and forever, contains the other -- male in female, us, helplessly and forever, contains the other -- male in female, female in male, white in black and black in white. We are a part of female in male, white in black and black in white. We are a part of each other. Many of my countrymen appear to find this fact each other. Many of my countrymen appear to find this fact exceedingly inconvenient and even unfair, and so, very often, do I. exceedingly inconvenient and even unfair, and so, very often, do I. But none of us can do anything about it.”But none of us can do anything about it.”

~James Baldwin~James Baldwin 1924-19871924-1987

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Analyzing Policies and PerspectivesAnalyzing Policies and Perspectives

Targeted UniversalismTargeted Universalism

Systems TheorySystems Theory

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Uneven Effects of the Current RecessionUneven Effects of the Current Recession

The current recession has affected everyone – but not all to the The current recession has affected everyone – but not all to the same degree.same degree.

Although the U.S. has been in a recession for more than a year, Although the U.S. has been in a recession for more than a year, people of color have been in a recession for nearly people of color have been in a recession for nearly fivefive years and years and have entered a depression during the current economic crisis.have entered a depression during the current economic crisis.

Although the black poverty rate fell 8.5% from 1989 to 2000, the Although the black poverty rate fell 8.5% from 1989 to 2000, the African American family poverty rate increased 2.8% from 2000 to African American family poverty rate increased 2.8% from 2000 to 2007.2007. Poverty rates for Hispanic families grew .5% from 2000 to Poverty rates for Hispanic families grew .5% from 2000 to

2007. The Hispanic family poverty rate (19.7%) is roughly twice 2007. The Hispanic family poverty rate (19.7%) is roughly twice that of the overall poverty rate (9.8%).that of the overall poverty rate (9.8%).

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Black/White Median Income Ratio

60.9%

63.5%

60.2%

58.0%

59.0%

60.0%

61.0%

62.0%

63.0%

64.0%

1995 2000 2005

Year

Me

dia

n In

co

me

Ra

tio

This ratio was at a record high of 63.5% in 2000. Once the This ratio was at a record high of 63.5% in 2000. Once the 2001 recession and weak economic recovery hit, these gains 2001 recession and weak economic recovery hit, these gains were lost and have yet to be recovered.were lost and have yet to be recovered.

Austin, Algernon. “What a Recession Means for Black America.” EPI Issue Brief # 241. 18 Jan. 2008.

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Learning From Our Mistakes?Learning From Our Mistakes?

If we fail to pay attention to populations and the resources that If we fail to pay attention to populations and the resources that communities possess, we are likely to repeat the mistakes of communities possess, we are likely to repeat the mistakes of the New Deal.the New Deal. White Americans may benefit disproportionatelyWhite Americans may benefit disproportionately

How do we avoid the New Deal mistakes?How do we avoid the New Deal mistakes? We must be intentional. We must be intentional. Policies should be targeted and programs should be Policies should be targeted and programs should be

structured so that they reach certain populations and structured so that they reach certain populations and communities.communities.

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We Need A New ParadigmWe Need A New Paradigm Targeted policies alone are not desirable because they appear to Targeted policies alone are not desirable because they appear to

show favoritism toward a certain group, thus stigmatizing them.show favoritism toward a certain group, thus stigmatizing them.

Universal policies alone are not useful.Universal policies alone are not useful.

They fail to account for the fact that people are situated They fail to account for the fact that people are situated differently in the economic and social landscape of societydifferently in the economic and social landscape of society

““Universal” policies are often based on a non-universal Universal” policies are often based on a non-universal standard standard

Ex: Social Security: able-bodied white males working Ex: Social Security: able-bodied white males working outside the home full-time for payoutside the home full-time for pay

Thus… Thus… Targeted UniversalismTargeted Universalism

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Group A

Group B

If the universal program affects those in red, Group B would seemingly benefit more than Group A.

Universal Program

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Group A

Group B

The universal program affected everyone in red, but Group B is still constrained by the boxes.

Universal Program

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Targeted UniversalismTargeted Universalism

This approach supports the needs of the particular while This approach supports the needs of the particular while reminding us that we are all part of the same social fabric.reminding us that we are all part of the same social fabric.

Universal, yet captures how people are differently situated Universal, yet captures how people are differently situated Inclusive, yet targets those who are most marginalizedInclusive, yet targets those who are most marginalized

Example goal: Every school as a performing schoolExample goal: Every school as a performing school What does each school need to get there?What does each school need to get there? What does each student, family, teacher, community need?What does each student, family, teacher, community need? What are their strengths and constraints?What are their strengths and constraints?

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Targeted UniversalismTargeted Universalism

Targeted Universalism recognizes racial disparities and the Targeted Universalism recognizes racial disparities and the importance of eradicating them, while acknowledging their importance of eradicating them, while acknowledging their presence within a larger inequitable, institutional frameworkpresence within a larger inequitable, institutional framework

Targeted universalism is a common framework through which to Targeted universalism is a common framework through which to pursue justicepursue justice A model which recognizes our linked fateA model which recognizes our linked fate A model where we all grow togetherA model where we all grow together A model where we embrace collective solutionsA model where we embrace collective solutions

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Ex: Economic Stimulus PackageEx: Economic Stimulus Package

The economic stimulus package fails to directly account for race.The economic stimulus package fails to directly account for race.

Yet, race is a key component of many major economic issues.Yet, race is a key component of many major economic issues. Ex: Subprime/Foreclosure crisis:Ex: Subprime/Foreclosure crisis:

People of color are more than three times as likely as whites People of color are more than three times as likely as whites to have subprime mortgages. to have subprime mortgages.

Borrowers of color were more than 30 percent more likely to Borrowers of color were more than 30 percent more likely to receive a higher-rate loan than white borrowers, receive a higher-rate loan than white borrowers, even after even after accounting for differences in risk.accounting for differences in risk.

Besides considering race-sensitive design, Besides considering race-sensitive design, we must be concerned about the impacts. we must be concerned about the impacts.

Rogers, Christy. “Subprime Loans, Foreclosure, and the Credit Crisis – A Primer.” Dec. 2008.

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Seeing the ConnectionsSeeing the Connections

Attempts to address singular issues in isolated ways will Attempts to address singular issues in isolated ways will ultimately failultimately fail

Targeted interventions must recognize the interconnected Targeted interventions must recognize the interconnected nature of our structuresnature of our structures

While many policy areas can appear distinct, we must think While many policy areas can appear distinct, we must think of them collectively.of them collectively. Ex: TransportationEx: Transportation

Is this an urban policy issue?Is this an urban policy issue?An environmental issue? An environmental issue? A jobs/economic issue?A jobs/economic issue?

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Visualizing Systems TheoryVisualizing Systems Theory

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System InteractionsSystem Interactions

Source: Barbara Reskin. http://faculty.uwashington.edu/reskin/

We must pay attention to how people are situated by looking at

multiple indicators and

the relationships

that exist between

those indicators.

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Structural Racialization & Systems ThinkingStructural Racialization & Systems Thinking

Courts have used a systems perspective.

Gaston County v. United States – North Carolina sought to reinstate a literacy test as a qualification for voting.   The Court found a violation of the Voting Rights Act because segregated schools "deprived its black residents of equal educational opportunities, which in turn deprived them of an equal chance to pass a literacy test." 

An apparently impartial literacy test was found to be a violation of the Voting Rights Act when one examined the institutional relationship between segregated education and voting restrictions.

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Serving MLAC’s ClientsServing MLAC’s Clients

Building on your great work and momentumBuilding on your great work and momentum

Acknowledging the role of implicit biasAcknowledging the role of implicit bias

Working collaboratively on strategies for addressing the needs of marginalized communitiesWorking collaboratively on strategies for addressing the needs of marginalized communities

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The recently completed opportunity mapping project in Massachusetts highlights the unique challenges facing MLAC’s clients.

These maps provide the context for analyzing fair housing policies and a variety of other social issues.

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People, Places, and Linkages

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Why It Is Difficult to Talk About Race?Why It Is Difficult to Talk About Race?

U.S. history of violence, repression, and injustice toward people of U.S. history of violence, repression, and injustice toward people of colorcolor

Feelings of resentment, guilt, and hostilityFeelings of resentment, guilt, and hostility

Fear of stigmatizing groups and creating self-fulfilling propheciesFear of stigmatizing groups and creating self-fulfilling prophecies

Lack of information about consequences of racial inequalityLack of information about consequences of racial inequality

Failure to actively envision a “true Democracy”Failure to actively envision a “true Democracy”

Fear of being labeled a racistFear of being labeled a racist

Lack of practice! Lack of practice!

Implicit bias (unconscious)Implicit bias (unconscious)

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Talking About Race - (Don’t)

Techniques to avoid:

Present disparities only

Frame action as robbing Peter to pay Paul

Separate out people in need from “everybody else”

Glide over real fears, shared suffering, or the fact that people are often internally divided

Dismiss the importance of individual efforts

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Talking About Race - (Do)

Frame the discussion using the norms & values of the audience – anchor to their narratives “All God’s Children” video: Click Here

In the story you tell, make sure everyone can see themselves in the story (“us,” not just “those people”)

Emphasize shared, deep values “Team USA” video: Click Here

Acknowledge that individualism is important – but that the healthiest individual is nurtured by a community invested in everyone’s success

Propose policies that are universal and targeted

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Perceiving RacePerceiving Race

Racial categorization occurs automatically, regardless of any Racial categorization occurs automatically, regardless of any efforts to divert attention from race.efforts to divert attention from race.

Within moments of perceiving someone, we automatically judge Within moments of perceiving someone, we automatically judge that person in terms of in-group favoritismthat person in terms of in-group favoritism Is that person is an “us” or a “them”? Is that person is an “us” or a “them”?

We unconsciously think about race even when we do not We unconsciously think about race even when we do not explicitly discuss it.explicitly discuss it. Elephant in the room video: Elephant in the room video: Click here

Drew Westen’s Drew Westen’s The Political BrainThe Political Brain Implicit Association TestImplicit Association Test

Implicit thoughts can overpower our explicit positionsImplicit thoughts can overpower our explicit positions

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Implicit Association TestImplicit Association Test

http://thesituationist.wordpress.com/2007/08/19/

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Implicit BiasImplicit Bias

We unconsciously think about race even when we do not We unconsciously think about race even when we do not explicitly discuss it.explicitly discuss it. Implicit thoughts can overpower our explicit positions.Implicit thoughts can overpower our explicit positions.

People have multiple networks that may be activated without our People have multiple networks that may be activated without our awareness.awareness. Depending on the situation, one network becomes dominant Depending on the situation, one network becomes dominant

over the others.over the others.

Even though we may fight them, implicit biases reside within us.Even though we may fight them, implicit biases reside within us.

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A Transformative Dialogue Around A Transformative Dialogue Around Our Linked Fate Our Linked Fate

Too often, we envision race as a system that separates groups from Too often, we envision race as a system that separates groups from each other with durable boundaries around each group.each other with durable boundaries around each group. This view supports the notion that disparities impacting one group This view supports the notion that disparities impacting one group

have no impact on other groups. have no impact on other groups.

Talking about race creates an opportunity to expose and illuminate the Talking about race creates an opportunity to expose and illuminate the ““linked fatelinked fate” that is shared by all Americans - how inequality for some ” that is shared by all Americans - how inequality for some groups impacts the entire society.groups impacts the entire society.

Inequality in

educational

opportunity

Low-performing inner-

city schools

Reduced competitivene

ss in the global

economy

Negative economic

consequences for ALL

AMERICANS

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A Transformative Dialogue: A Transformative Dialogue: Bring Everyone to the TableBring Everyone to the Table

Too often, issues that touch on race and social justice Too often, issues that touch on race and social justice are perceived as “Black issues” or “White issues.”are perceived as “Black issues” or “White issues.”

In the U.S., issues about racial equality, opportunity, In the U.S., issues about racial equality, opportunity, and social justice are fundamentally issues about and social justice are fundamentally issues about DemocracyDemocracy..

Everyone has a stake in guaranteeing that Democratic Everyone has a stake in guaranteeing that Democratic principles are fully implemented in the society.principles are fully implemented in the society.

So, everyone is a stakeholder in the transformative So, everyone is a stakeholder in the transformative dialogue on race.dialogue on race.

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Client RelationshipsClient Relationships

We need to craft an appropriate set of relationships and We need to craft an appropriate set of relationships and conditions and avoid romanticizing “the other.”conditions and avoid romanticizing “the other.”

Slave/master relationship: never fully human relationship Slave/master relationship: never fully human relationship because there would always be a power imbalance because there would always be a power imbalance between the two between the two

The Bigger Thomas story (Richard Wright)The Bigger Thomas story (Richard Wright)

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Encouraging Full Democratic MembershipEncouraging Full Democratic Membership

How do we engage others with How do we engage others with dignity?dignity?

What is freedom? What is freedom?

What characterizes an active member What characterizes an active member of a democratic society?of a democratic society?

How do you measure social inclusion?How do you measure social inclusion?

What blocks membership?What blocks membership?

Who makes meaning?Who makes meaning?

What are the ‘everyday’ politics?What are the ‘everyday’ politics?

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““You know, even if 40 percent of You know, even if 40 percent of the people in a community are the people in a community are poor, it means 60 percent are not. poor, it means 60 percent are not. So we have to ask ourselves, So we have to ask ourselves, what are those 60 percent doing what are those 60 percent doing and thinking? And inand thinking? And in the case of the case of these chronically-poor places, my these chronically-poor places, my experience and others' is that experience and others' is that they're distancing themselves they're distancing themselves from the poor rather than looking from the poor rather than looking for ways to bring them into the for ways to bring them into the Boy Scouts or into the after-Boy Scouts or into the after-school program or into the same school program or into the same church as the more middle-class church as the more middle-class folks…”*folks…”*

*Quote from “Why Poverty Persists in Appalachia,” PBS interview with Cynthia Duncan (author of Worlds Apart: Why Poverty Persists in Rural America) http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/countryboys/readings/duncan.html

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Exclusion From Decision MakingExclusion From Decision Making

Bringing people into structures Bringing people into structures that formerly excluded them that formerly excluded them may not be enoughmay not be enough

Message is: individual is not Message is: individual is not properly “negotiating” the properly “negotiating” the ladder when the ladder is too ladder when the ladder is too narrow or long …and we’re narrow or long …and we’re climbing alone climbing alone

Insensitive, perhaps hostile Insensitive, perhaps hostile structural arrangementsstructural arrangements

Need to re-think structures Need to re-think structures themselvesthemselves

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The Margin & the CenterThe Margin & the Center What’s the relationship between the margin and the center? What’s the relationship between the margin and the center?

How do we change this relationship?How do we change this relationship?

We can’t change the role of women without changing the We can’t change the role of women without changing the role of men. They co-constitute each other. role of men. They co-constitute each other.

In Legal Services, there’s a power dynamic in which the In Legal Services, there’s a power dynamic in which the powerless may be expected to make changes. We need to powerless may be expected to make changes. We need to talk about changing the center, not just changing the talk about changing the center, not just changing the margin.margin.

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What can Legal Services do?

Engage in diversity training Not just typical trainings, but deep discussions in which

personal viewpoints are openly addressed and critical feedback is provided by colleagues

Fully understand how race really works Truly comprehend why diversity matters rather than running the

risk of only paying it lip-service

Work to create community change Beyond zealously advocating for your client, think about how

each case can produce community change Let this influence how you articulate the case, how you utilize the

media, etc.

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Intervention Strategies for Building Opportunity Communities

Adopt an opportunity-based approach to housing advocacy

Support both in-place and mobility-based strategies to affirmatively provide access to opportunity

Adopt a multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach to advocacy

Address not only personal and institutional racism, but also structural racism and racialization

Reflect on the unique challenges and opportunities each community presents

Section 5

Work Toward Transformative Change

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Linked Fates…Transformative Change

Our fates are linked, yet our fates have been socially constructed as disconnected, especially through the categories of race, class, gender, nationality, region…

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Questions or Comments? Questions or Comments? For More Information, Visit Us On-Line:For More Information, Visit Us On-Line:

www.KirwanInstitute.orgwww.KirwanInstitute.org

Appendix

White Privilege

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Privilege Privilege comes in many different forms – race, class,

status, etc.

It is possible to have some kinds of privilege and not others i.e., Someone may lack race privilege but still possess

educational and class privilege

How we use that privilege is important

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Privilege and Institutional Arrangements

Privilege is sorted through institutional arrangements

Institutional arrangements are never neutral

There is a tendency to favor one group over another

Examples:

Holidays in the United States are arranged in a way that is sensitive to Christian beliefs, but not necessarily inclusive of other religions

Daycare is structured in a gendered way that creates advantages and disadvantages to certain groups

Which parent usually has to take off of work to care for a sick child?

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White Privilege and the Organization of Structures

Without critical examination, the system can appear to be just and fair, perhaps even neutral towards race.

Often unbeknownst to them, whites inherit and possess many benefits that are often unacknowledged and/or taken for granted.

Interestingly, the norm of whiteness is strong enough that the privilege of whiteness may not even be perceived by people of color.

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Recognizing White Privilege

“In my class and place, I did not see myself as a racist because I was taught to recognize

racism only in individual acts of meanness by members of my group, never in invisible

systems conferring unsought racial dominance on my group from birth.”

~Peggy McIntosh – “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack”

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Defining White Privilege

White privilege refers to special advantages, rights, or unearned benefits that whites enjoy simply due to the color of their skin that other groups do not receive

A white person does not need to be a racist to benefit from white privilege

The recipient of white privilege may not even be aware that s/he received it

These privileges are passively acquired

Is one person’s privilege predicated on others’ lack of privilege?

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A Few Manifestations of White Privilege

Spatial and residential segregation

The appearance, demeanor, and choices of a non-white being considered “representative of his/her race”

Minority students are less likely to be placed in advanced or accelerated classes

“Flesh color” Band-Aids are typically light beige in color, thus reflecting a norm of white skin tones

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White Privilege and the Organization of Structures

"The reality is [in] every aspect of life -- economic, social, political -- white

people benefit from the way the system is organized and black people

experience deficiency.”

~ Paula Rothenberg, author of White Privilege: Essential Readings on the Other Side of Racism

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Privilege and Institutions

The dynamics of privilege are not static; they change by situation and across time

We need a literacy of institutions and cultural meanings

We also need to understand how these meanings are transmitted

Institutions may not be neutral, but they can be inclusive