| Abstract: | There has been considerable quantitative research examining the significant wealth and asset differences between blacks and whites, indicating that factors such multigenerational inheritance and homeownership have formed these differences. However, there is limited qualitative research on the subject, particularly examining the intrinsic factors that influence the decision-making process. Part of the process for gaining wealth and asset attainment is presumed to take place through social and human capital. This qualitative study examines the manner in which the influences of social and human capital shape black middle-class wealth and asset decision-making. Twenty-nine in-depth interviews with black middle-class c from three metropolitan cities were completed to provide insight into the factors that influence their economic decision-making. Results indicate black social and human capital are interrelated in the process of decision-making and play an important role in the understanding of contemporary wealth and asset decision-making for black middle-class families. |
