WPSU breaks down tenets of the black middle class

A leading sociologist on the subject takes a look at the rarely studied population

University Park, Pa. -- Scholarly researchers and the media often overlook middle class African American families, but Mary Pattillo of Northwestern University shared her insight into the sociological ramifications of a growing black middle class on "Conversations from Penn State," which aired Tuesday night on the Big Ten Network.

"We do avoid frank conversations about race," Pattillo said. "But I think we talk about race all the time."

Pattillo said it is the content of the racial discussion that could direct Americans to a better understanding of the history of the black middle class and the conflict between African Americans of varying socioeconomic status.

Pattillo discussed the process of upward mobility, suggesting that an investment in education and housing could increase the possibility of that kind of success, not only for African American children, but for all children in the United States.

"I think we depress our productivity as a nation by continuing to foster racial discrimination; [to continue] to let racism languish," Pattillo said.

The show will air on WPSU-TV at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 23.

Mary Pattillo is a professor of sociology and African American studies. Her areas of interest include race and ethnicity, urban sociology and qualitative methods. She is an accomplished author, and her first book, "Black Picket Fences: Privilege and Peril among the Black Middle Class" won the Oliver Cromwell Cox Best Book Award from the American Sociological Association.

Conversations from Penn State is a new series, hosted by veteran interviewer Patty Satalia. The program offers thoughtful, in-depth exchanges with a broad range of remarkable people. In many cases, their trailblazing work has advanced their field and drawn national and worldwide attention. For more than 20 years, Satalia has engaged dynamic individuals from all walks of life and areas of expertise. No matter the guest, she approaches each conversation with the same dedication to research and with a passion for helping people share their stories and insights with the world.

WPSU serves central Pennsylvania with programming, educational services and community outreach. Its public media services produce, acquire and distribute programs that address local interests and reflect the diverse cultural, political, geographic and demographic characteristics of an audience within central Pennsylvania.