Study Guide for "Advanced Capitalism and Black/White Race Relations in the United States"

The following includes a very broad set of questions to help you understand your assigned reading. You are responsible for material in the article that these questions may not directly address. That is, to do well on the quiz you must read the entire article at least once if not more than once. On the day of the quiz, you will have a five question multiple choice quiz in class. Study hard and enjoy understanding the how capitalism has shaped black/white relationships!

Have blacks always been nearly unemployed at twice the rate of whites? When did the ratio of unemployment between whites and blacks significantly change?

Give two reasons why some argue that the rise of black unemployment serves the interests of the rich. Critique each of these reasons.

Why hasn’t South Africa automated its production facilities?

Define split labor market.

How did the North disguise their unequal treatment of blacks regarding wages?

What was the role of unions in shaping the unequal treatment of blacks? List three factors that were at work making blacks more "exploitable."

Explain, in detail, the dynamics of a split labor market.

What role did black strike-breaking play in the dynamics of a split labor market?

What role did displacement play in the dynamics of a split labor market?

Why were Negroes considered as strike insurance?

What were the factors that caused the great black migration from the south to northern industrialized cities?

What role did loyalty (i.e., paternalism) play in the dynamics of a split labor market?

What conditions fostered prejudice and discrimination among white workers toward blacks?

Describe the circle of antagonism between unions and blacks.

Critique the argument that capitalists used blacks to divide and conquer the workforce.

Why did race riots take place throughout the US in the 1920s?

What federal legislation effectively legislated out of existence the split labor market and why? What impact did this legislation have on union membership? What impact did it have on black-white relations?

What were and are the long-term consequences of protective legislation?

What three options do the capitalists have when confronted with raising costs of labor?

What is a runaway shop? How have these shops effected black employment?

Why are textile and meat-packing jobs increasing in the south and decreasing in the midwest and northern cities?

What two factors shape the likelihood of blacks following capital around as it seeks out cheaper labor within the US?

What is a dual labor market and how does it influence poor black Americans?

Does the move to automate arise simply as a response to technological innovation? When do capitalists decide to automate their factories? How does automation effect rates of black unemployment?

What other "rigidities" in the capitalist system make blacks suffer disproportionately from displacement?

In summary, are capitalists by and large intentionally setting out to disadvantage black workers?

Why do we have entrenched pockets of poverty, black ghettos, in our cities?

According to the author, will things change in the near future for inner city blacks who are unemployed?