Algernon has conducted research and writing on issues of race and racial inequality for over 20 years. His current primary focus is on the low rate of employment in Black America, one of the three major labor market challenges facing this population, and on using subsidized employment as a tool to address this problem. Austin also has an interest in social housing, infrastructure, racial wealth inequality, and other topics at the intersection of race and the economy.
Austin has a PhD in sociology from Northwestern University, and he taught sociology as a faculty member at Wesleyan University. He has held positions at the Economic Policy Institute, the Center for Global Policy Solutions, Dēmos, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. He has discussed racial inequality on PBS, CNN, NPR, and other national television and radio networks.
All from Algernon Austin
Understanding and Addressing the Extremely Low Employment Rate of Black Men
The low employment rate for Black men cannot be explained by a lack of hard skills or soft skills. Anti-Black discrimination is the most likely explanation for this disparity.
The Iran War is NOT About Nuclear Weapons
The Trump administration has offered shifting explanations for the war on Iran. Do any of them make sense?
Trump Republicans are Defunding the Tax Police, Making America Great for Rich Tax Cheats
Thanks to the Republican war on the IRS, billionaire tax cheats are breathing easier.
Provide Jobs for Those Who Need Them
Even in good times, millions of workers are unable to find jobs. The federal government can fill this gap, which would reduce inequality and help struggling communities.
Meet Our Infrastructure Needs
By a wide margin, the US public agrees that we must spend money to update our infrastructure.
Make Housing More Affordable
The public recognizes there is a housing affordability crisis — and supports government spending to address it.
It’s Time to Slash US Military Spending by Half
Reducing the US military budget would free up funds for programs that actually support people in this country, and would likely reduce the threat of future wars as well.
(Detroit News) Is AI Born Biased?
Research showing that AI often reinforces stereotypes should serve as a reminder that new technologies could embed racism even more deeply in our society.
Do “Soft Skills” Explain Low Black Male Employment Rates?
Some scholars attribute black male unemployment to a lack of ‘soft skills,’ but a closer look at the data reveals a much different picture.
An HBCU Research Initiative*
Advancing Black Workers in the South.
An HBCU Research Initiative*
A new working paper uses survey data to understand the experiences of Black workers in the South and their views of labor unions.
