"Black professors make more than white professors. That's because we are in demand. I'll tell you, give me two blacks in institutions of higher learning, one has a Ph.D. from an elite institution and has a certain publication record. You give me a white scholar with the same credentials, and I will take that black scholar."

3 likes

Source: Interview with Gerald Early, www.motherjones.com. September/October, 1996.

About the author

William Julius Wilson

Sociologist, Author

William Julius Wilson is a prominent sociologist known for his analysis of race, class, and urban poverty, particularly in 'The Truly Disadvantaged.'

All quotes by William Julius Wilson →

Same author

More quotes by William Julius Wilson

See all →
William Julius Wilson Sociologist, Author

"During the Great Depression, African Americans were faced with problems that were not unlike those experienced by the most disadvantaged groups in society. The Great Depression had a leveling effect, and all groups really experienced hard times: poor whites, poor blacks."

Read quote
William Julius Wilson Sociologist, Author

"A lot of joblessness in the black community doesn't seem to be reachable through fiscal and monetary policies. People have not been drawn into the labor market even during periods of economic recovery."

Read quote
William Julius Wilson Sociologist, Author

"Racism should be viewed as an intervening variable. You give me a set of conditions and I can produce racism in any society. You give me a different set of conditions and I can reduce racism. You give me a situation where there are a sufficient number of social resources so people don't have to compete for those resources, and I will show you a society where racism is held in check."

Read quote