Long-term Unemployment in African-American Community
Posted by marykeating on April 1, 2010 under Economic situation, Race-based discrimination, Sex-based discrimination | 
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report breaking down unemployment rates by various characteristics, including race, gender, age, educational level, and head of household status. The report shows that unemployment rates, and length of unemployment, among African-Americans are higher across all other categories. The highest burden is felt by African-American teens, with a 41.4% unemployment rate as of February. The report points out that while unemployment is bad enough, starting a work life in such a discouraging way has long-lasting ramifications.
I find two other comparisons troubling. College graduates are more likely to be employed than other groups, but the rate of African-American unemployment is higher (.2% v.s 4.5% for whites). Another striking comparison shows that the unemployment rate among women head of households (in other words, single mothers) is higher than the rate among women generally. Black women heading households experienced an even higher unemployment rate.
The report refrains from drawing any conclusions on the reasons for these stark differences, leaving that to academics with more time to develop and test theories. Surely segregation patterns must be considered. Lingering racism and discrimination against women with childcare responsibilities are pretty good possibilities as well.