Testing the Underclass Concept by Surveying Attitudes and Behavior

Authors

Kathleen J. Pottick, Rutgers University

Abstract

Recent interest in the problems of an underclass has highlighted deficiencies in the conceptual understanding of the term and empirical investigation into its dynamics. This research note describes the current definition of the concept and presents recent empirical tests of it. By presenting available survey data sets that can identify underclass attitudes, values and behavior, the note refines the deliberations on measurement. Two underclass groups, welfare recipients and criminals, are used to illustrate the methodology

Recommended Citation

Pottick, Kathleen J. (1990) "Testing the Underclass Concept by Surveying Attitudes and Behavior," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 17: Iss. 4, Article 9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.1962
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol17/iss4/9