Black/White Differences in School Performance: The Oppositional Culture Explanation (original) (raw)
The late anthropologist, John Ogbu, developed one of the most theoretically provocative explanations for racial/ethnic differences in school performance: oppositional culture theory. Rather than view racial/ethnic gaps as a product of structural disadvantage alone, the theory emphasizes minority groups' agency and the way in which they contribute to their own demise by developing a culture in opposition to schooling. This review focuses on the theory's merits for understanding the black/white gap in the United States. 107 Click here for quick links to Annual Reviews content online, including: • Other articles in this volume • Top cited articles • Top downloaded articles • Our comprehensive search Further ANNUAL REVIEWS Annu. Rev. Sociol. 2008.34:107-126. Downloaded from arjournals.annualreviews.org by Ohio State University Library on 12/09/08. For personal use only. 108 Downey Annu. Rev. Sociol. 2008.34:107-126. Downloaded from arjournals.annualreviews.org by Ohio State University Library on 12/09/08. For personal use only. www.annualreviews.org • Black/White Differences in School Performance 109 Annu. Rev. Sociol. 2008.34:107-126. Downloaded from arjournals.annualreviews.org by Ohio State University Library on 12/09/08. For personal use only.
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