MCJAMERSON, E. (1991). THE DECLINING PARTICIPATION OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN MEN IN HIGHER-EDUCATION – CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES. SOCIOLOGICAL SPECTRUM, 11(1), 45-65.

The declining enrollment & completion rates of African-American males in institutions of higher education, particularly at the doctoral level, are investigated using data from published & unpublished studies conducted 1978-1989. Because one must persevere to participate in higher education, the “educational pipeline” is important in reaching one’s goals. This pipeline has five major points of leakage: high school graduation, college entrance, college graduation, graduate or professional school entrance, & completion of the latter. During the study period, the % of African-American high school graduates increased by almost 10%, yet college entry rates actually declined. Viewing the education system as a pipeline enables one to see how the transition points are interrelated; teachers, administrators, & parents must be aware of this situation to effectively intervene in the process. Suggestions are made for achieving an integrated learning system, encouraging sustained educational participation, & enhancing governmental financial aid. To ignore the unique educational & socioeconomic situation of African Americans will result in less palatable forced choices in the future, for them & for society as a whole. 5 Tables, 35 References.

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http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02732173.1991.9981953