Really interesting. The nuance is important, and the empirical evidence about differential economic and educational outcomes is essential in these debates.
However, I will never be convinced that the key driving factor is ethnic group culture. I still think Marx (and Ken) were correct to see social class and capitalist structures as primary agents of injustice, and that the interaction of class with race is crucial for our understanding and politics. There is a problem in reifying/ essentialising ethnic cultural groups given there are still variations within each group and constant cultural adaptation and hybridity. There will always be some entrepeneurial smart people who break through to success despite the headwinds of prejudice and discrimination. What seems to matter more is local context; if the local economy is dire, as in Northern mill towns it will be nigh on impossible to make a million without devious deals and international connections. Different in Londo.. watch The Apprentice.
What is constant and on both sides of the pond is white prejudice, othering and patterns of hostility to ethnic minorities. Currently it is growing and frightening..violence on the streets, hostile environment for migrants, Christian nationalism. The danger of nuanced analysis is that Christians will fail to take the necessary stance against racism and fascism. Ken would be clear, and organizing on the streets of Whitechapel as he did in the 80s.
Really interesting. The nuance is important, and the empirical evidence about differential economic and educational outcomes is essential in these debates.
However, I will never be convinced that the key driving factor is ethnic group culture. I still think Marx (and Ken) were correct to see social class and capitalist structures as primary agents of injustice, and that the interaction of class with race is crucial for our understanding and politics. There is a problem in reifying/ essentialising ethnic cultural groups given there are still variations within each group and constant cultural adaptation and hybridity. There will always be some entrepeneurial smart people who break through to success despite the headwinds of prejudice and discrimination. What seems to matter more is local context; if the local economy is dire, as in Northern mill towns it will be nigh on impossible to make a million without devious deals and international connections. Different in Londo.. watch The Apprentice.
What is constant and on both sides of the pond is white prejudice, othering and patterns of hostility to ethnic minorities. Currently it is growing and frightening..violence on the streets, hostile environment for migrants, Christian nationalism. The danger of nuanced analysis is that Christians will fail to take the necessary stance against racism and fascism. Ken would be clear, and organizing on the streets of Whitechapel as he did in the 80s.