Ghetto-Related Behavior and the Structure of Opportunity
Author(s)
Wilson, William Julius
Abstract
In 1990, more than 75% of individuals residing in ghetto metropolitan areas were predominantly minorities of either African American or Hispanic descent. These poverty area minority groups often face certain social constraints on the choices they can make in their daily lives, which combined with restricted opportunities in the larger society, lead to ghetto related behaviors and attitudes – that is to say, behaviors which are more prevalent in ghetto neighborhoods than in neighborhoods that contain modest levels of poverty and local employment. Some common trends in the mentality of people with such backgrounds include a weakening attachment to the legitimate labor market, chronic sentiments of subordination, and a sense of desperation which leads many into drugs and alcohol. Finally, many of the behaviors and attitudes adopted by these disadvantaged minority groups are culturally transmitted and easily assimilated by role modeling, consequently giving life to the vicious cycle of poverty and unemployment.
