An American Dilemma by Gunnar Myrdal
- 1. An American Dilemma, written by Swedish economist and sociologist Gunnar Myrdal and published in 1944, is a seminal work that investigates the complex relationship between American ideals of democracy and the reality of racial inequality, particularly as it pertains to African Americans. Myrdal undertakes a comprehensive analysis that blends sociology, economics, and history to explore the deep-rooted social problems and institutionalized discrimination faced by Black Americans. He argues that the traditional American creed—which emphasizes liberty, equality, and justice—stands in stark contrast to the systemic racism and segregation perpetuated by social, political, and economic structures. Throughout the narrative, Myrdal emphasizes the contradictions inherent in American society, highlighting how the stark realities of poverty, disenfranchisement, and systemic racism undermine the nation's moral and ethical foundations. This work not only laid the groundwork for future discussions on race relations in the United States but also inspired civil rights movements by illuminating the urgent need for reform and social change. Myrdal's profound insights into the 'American dilemma' reflect a broader critique of modern societies in which entrenched inequalities challenge the fundamental principles of justice and equality.
In what year was 'An American Dilemma' first published?
A) 1944
B) 1954
C) 1964
D) 1934
- 2. Myrdal argued that the racial problem in America created a moral conflict for whites between their creed and their practices. What did he call this?
A) The National Shame
B) The Great Contradiction
C) The Ethical Divide
D) The American Dilemma
- 3. What is the 'American Creed' as discussed by Myrdal?
A) The belief in Manifest Destiny
B) The ideals of liberty, equality, justice, and fair opportunity
C) The constitutional right to bear arms
D) The principles of isolationism
- 4. Which prominent foundation funded and commissioned the research for 'An American Dilemma'?
A) The Ford Foundation
B) The Kellogg Foundation
C) The Rockefeller Foundation
D) The Carnegie Corporation
- 5. Myrdal was an economist and sociologist from which country?
A) Sweden
B) Germany
C) France
D) Great Britain
- 6. Myrdal's work was highly influential in which landmark U.S. Supreme Court case?
A) Plessy v. Ferguson
B) Roe v. Wade
C) Miranda v. Arizona
D) Brown v. Board of Education
- 7. Which prominent African American intellectual worked as a primary researcher on the project?
A) Marcus Garvey
B) Ralph Bunche
C) Booker T. Washington
D) W.E.B. Du Bois
- 8. The book is often credited with helping to lay the intellectual groundwork for what?
A) The Women's Suffrage movement
B) The Prohibition movement
C) The Civil Rights Movement
D) The Anti-Vietnam War movement
- 9. For which achievement related to this field of study did Gunnar Myrdal later win a Nobel Prize?
A) The Nobel Prize in Literature
B) The Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences
C) He did not win a Nobel Prize
D) The Nobel Peace Prize
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