This book analyzes the status and position of African American men in the U.S. labor market prior to, during, and after the Great Recession. Using a model of occupational crowding, the book outlines how the representation of African American men in major occupational categories almost universally declined during the recent recession even as white non-Hispanic men were able to maintain their occupational representation in the face of staggering job losses. Using US Census Bureau data, this book illustrates how African American men sought to insulate their group from devastating job losses by increasing their educational attainment in a job market where employers exercised more leverage in hiring. However, this strategy was unable to protect this group from disparate job losses as African American men became further marginalized in the workforce during the Great Recession. Policy approaches to address high African American male unemployment are outlined in the final chapter.

Provides a multi-dimensional background on the average African American male worker

1. The Position of African American Men in the US Labor Market Prior to the Great Recession for the Years 2002-2006.- 2. African American Male Unemployment during the Great Recession in Comparison to Other Demographic Groups and Theoretical Considerations.- 3. African American Men's Decline in Labor Market Status during the Great Recession.- 4. The Role of Policy in Improving African American Male Vulnerability in the Labor Market Where African American Men Stand Post-Recession in the Labor Market: Economic Theories Underlie Advocacy Efforts and Policy Approaches.