Measuring the Distance: The Legacy of the Kerner Report

On its release in 1968, the Kerner report, with its “two societies” warning, was the subject of intense public attention. However, within a year, concerns arose that the report’s influence was limited and that its recommendations were not being implemented. This perception has not changed noticeably since then. Fifty years later, it is important to accurately assess the report’s legacy and whether the nation has avoided becoming two societies. It has become clear, however, that the report has been implemented more than previously thought and that it has been and continues to be influential. It has also been determined that despite progress toward eliminating the disparity between blacks and whites, it has unfortunately not yet been as extensive as is needed.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

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