The documentary shows how America’s history, social norms, institutions, and laws have enhanced the creation of a separate economy (dual economy). The country segregated many people, such as immigrants, women, and people of color, from reaping benefits in society. This forced the marginalized group to identify alternative means of surviving when living in a segmented economy. Women were made to stay at home or be employed as cooks or home workers (Devis et al., 2018).
The immigrants created ethnic minority groups where they opened small business centers that helped the segregated groups. The Native people had to survive on reservations, and the African Americans migrated to the northern parts to find survival opportunities (Devis et al., 2018). Four California workers are challenged with structural prejudices as they strive to improve community mobility and change.
Currently, the informal sector is expanding rapidly, and it has infiltrated many sectors in society. It has become prevalent and transpired into the economic life of people. With racial prejudices at their peak, many people suffer because they are denied opportunities. The informal economy has negatively affected many people, and its expansion is swift because the children are learning it from their parents. Justice and equality have become a thing for the rich while the poor people, mostly the native and other marginalized groups, continue to suffer. Economic segregation impact not only the minority group but also the majority. This is because minority groups tend to engage in illegal activities to survive. Safety becomes an issue as some minority groups turn to drug dealing and robbery with violence.
The drug business has dramatically impacted all groups because it reduces economic productivity. Substance abuse lowers the performance of employees leading to low production. Furthermore, education attainment levels for both groups are reduced as the whites are sure to get jobs even with little knowledge. The minority group also prefers not to get educated because they cannot secure jobs even with suitable qualifications. A good economy is that which incorporates every member of the society and allows everyone equal opportunities.
Reference
Devis, J., Cram, J., Sokolowski, J., & Trumbull-Lavalle, K. (2018). City Rising: The Informal Economy [Video]. Web.