One of the reasons why some black men flourish is their participation in the black church. But focusing on racial differences can obscure the fact that many African American men are doing well. Our analyses of trends in work, crime, incarceration, and family indicate that both structural and cultural factors have shaped the differing life experiences of white and black men. These don’t have to be mutually exclusive explanations. Conversely, Ta-Nehisi Coates contends that unjust and racist structural forces-including poor job opportunities, unsafe neighborhoods, failing schools, and discriminatory housing and policing policies-have produced America’s racial disparities. Conservatives like Jason Riley argue that dysfunctional values and norms have helped create America’s racial disparities in crime, incarceration, and employment. Liberals and conservatives have different explanations for the racial divide in the United States. Our new book, Soul Mates: Religion, Sex, Love and Marriage Among African Americans and Latinos, shows they are more likely to be working, avoid crime and incarceration, and get married. And compared to their less religious peers, these 6 million or so black men are significantly more likely to thrive. African American men attend church at rates notably above the national average: 37 percent of those aged 18 to 60 attend several times a month or more, compared to 30 percent of non-black men, according to the 2008-2014 General Social Survey. Why do some black men flourish while others struggle? One answer is faith.
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