Quote:1981, there were several different studies that examined the black family during slavery and the antebellum south. The Moynihan report is probably the most famous. Essentially, it blames slavery for the destruction of the black family, and it is the report that paved the way for affirmative action programs and the modern welfare system. It was also fairly controversial. Some of the methodology was flawed, and assumptions used in that report were criticized by Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson for relying too much on black stereotypes.


There was a different study by Gutman in response to the Moynihan Report that used better methodology and showed that, even though it wasn't traditional marriage (since that was outlawed), monogamy and life long relationships were common among slaves. Birth records show the same father/mother combinations and a history of naming children after immediate family members such as grandfathers and uncles. This doesn't happen if there is no family unit. That doesn't mean that Gutman's report is true for all slaves, but I do think idea is at least somewhat supported by the numerous examples of black fathers putting out ads after the civil war, hoping to reunite with their families.


Like all things, the truth is probably in the middle. Marriage was outlawed by slave owners, showing a clear attempt to break down the familial unit. I don't think for a second it was an ideal place for a family, and it would be difficult, if not impossible, to keep the family together in some instances. Yet, you also see a strong desire among the slave population to push against that and maintain tight family ties. In many instances, you even saw lifelong pair bonds between couples, and them getting married as soon as they were able in the post war South. In the end, you probably have a mix of outcomes.


When I mentioned slavery not being able to destroy black families, I was specifically referring to the desire by the black family to maintain their family unit. The strongest evidence for this, imo, is the rebound seen in the Jim Crow south. The percentage of families without fathers then was better than whites today. And, not coincidentally, it is the time when the violent crime rate was similar between whites and blacks.


When you contrast that against the almost 75% of black children born without fathers, that is a stark difference.


I do live in Jax, and would happily meet up. I enjoy getting alternate perspectives on the issue.