The Black family and social class.

Book reviewed in this article: Blacks often are stereotyped as a homogeneous population exhibiting a common way of life. Nine black families of varying income levels were studied to determine similarities and differences in life style. Middle-class blacks were found to be affluent conformists, working-class blacks respectable marginals who achieve upward mobility by their wits, and lower-class blacks exhibited a lack of commitment arising out of fears of trusting in an untrustworthy society. Black and white families were seen to share a common value system but adapt to the society differently because of racial discrimination and social class distinctions.