Realizing the Dream: What Does the Success Sequence Have to Do with the Economic Welfare of Black and Hispanic Young Adults?

By Rod Williams, May 23, 2022 - Critical Race Theory and its derivative variations of "equity" doctrine teaches that American society is hopelessly racist and that the only way a minority can get their "fair share" is if government or corporate boards or society mandates a representative fair share. This doctrine excuses failure and discourages responsible behavior and striving for excellence. According to this doctrine, if a person fails, it is the fault of a racist society and the person who fails is simply a victim.  Too often, "pull yourself up by your bootstraps," is derided as a racist response to the problem of poverty. Advocates of "equity." do not think there should be any more White homeowners than Black homeowners regardless of income or credit scores and there should be no greater proportion of Black people in prison than White people regardless of who commits the crime. 

While a few individual minority members may have their lives improved by affirmative actions, it is not going to do much to lift many people out of poverty. There will still, for most people, be consequences for actions. We know what lifts people out of poverty: earning at least a high school degree, working full-time, and marrying before childbearing. I would add learning delayed gratification, but if you earn a high school degree, work full-time and marry before childbearing, you probably learned that along the way.

American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research is hosting an event called "Realizing the Dream: What Does the Success Sequence Have to Do with the Economic Welfare of Black and Hispanic Young Adults?" This may be of interest to social workers, policymakers, educators, and citizens concerned with countering the current doctrine that excuses poverty and failure. This event is live in Washington D. C. but one may watch the event live on this link. After the event concludes, a full video will be posted within 24 hours. Below is more information about the event:

The success sequence—earning at least a high school degree, working full-time, and marrying before childbearing—is a proven path to the American dream. Ninety-seven percent of young adults who follow the sequence avoid poverty by their 30s, and a vast majority enter the middle class and beyond. But some have argued that the success sequence is less effective for African Americans, Hispanics, and young adults from low-income families. Is that true?

A new AEI and Institute for Family Studies report, “The Power of the Success Sequence for Disadvantaged Young Adults,” takes up this question. AEI’s W. Bradford Wilcox and Wendy Wang of the Institute for Family Studies will discuss the paper and spotlight a new video series, “Straight Talk About the Success Sequence.” A panel discussion will follow with Catherine Ruth Pakaluk, Ian Rowe, Isabel Sawhill, and Delano Squires.

To watch the event live or to view a video of the event within 24 hours after the event, follow this link. 

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