For the hundred-year period between the end of slavery and the aftermath of World War II the structure of African American family was characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. According to the US Bureau of Census, the African American family with children were 80% in 1890. However, this figure progressively declined since the 1960’s and by the 1990’s it was only 39% and this trend is likely to continue. As a preliminary discussion to the problem, analyze the theories of Fraizer, Moynihan and Gutman [use the theories given in the discussion column]. You may refer to their published books. Fraizers book on the Black Family; Moynihan’s report to the US Congress 1965; Gutman’s book on the Family, 1976. In addition to your analysis of these theories, identify the major causes for the decline of the family since the 60’s.
