Structural Inequalities Theory

In the United States of America, the general path to becoming a successful adult begins at an early stage in life and continues, typically, until the age of 18 when one is able to positively contribute to society. During this period, we are constantly molding our future through the cultural influences of the environment surrounding us, obtaining an education provided through grade school, and expanding upon our socialization skills. Therefore, a productive culture, adequate education, and the ability to adapt socially are all vital building blocks needed to finish our path to success. Raised in a community that harbors an isolative culture unconducive to success, those born in “The Hood”, a community of low income and impoverished African-Americans

“Structural inequalities theory has been used to explain the persistently poor and urban population that has emerged as the American economy has deindustrialized and moved out of central cities” (Smith). “Structurally disadvantaged neighborhoods are often characterized by weaker local institutions and diminished access to external resources” (as cited by Richardson). “Medical provision and schooling was separated by race” (McLaughlin). As a result, “The inner-city ghetto became increasingly impoverished and socially isolated, most often because of structural changes” (Anderson).
The rise in unemployed African Americans opened the doors for White Americans to further hold them back by denying loans through the process of Redlining. “Ethnic minorities and unemployment, and low on income and value of dwellings, can be expected to be a redlined” (Aalbers) which further imprisoned African Americans in the

Years of isolation due to their race, a subculture has developed that promotes violence, the selling of drugs, and public assistance as a source of income. Because it is vital for the inhabitants of this community to conform to its culture, little time is spent expanding upon their ability to socialize effectively enough to grow. Because of this social incompetence, awareness and access to the vital building blocks that make one successful are not easily obtain and require much effort. Therefore, the path of an African-American from “The Hood” to success is one less paved as the obstacles to reach success, as a contributing member of society, tends to outweigh the ease of