Journal
of Catholic Social Thought
Volume 3
Number 1
Winter - 2006
Race, Poverty and
Public Policy
Mary Jo Bane
Kennedy School of
Government, Harvard University
This paper presents
and explores explanations for racial and ethnic differences in poverty
rates in the contemporary United States. It looks at the importance of
family structure, education and geographic location, concluding that
important racial disparities remain even after these differences are
taken account of. It then suggests that racial stigma and racial
segregation are key to understanding differences in poverty. Finally,
it proposes some policy directions and community actions that could
promote inclusion and racial justice.
