All Our Kin: Strategies for Survival in a Black Community by Carol B. Stack is an anthropological analysis of community-making in a predominantly Black, lower-class area called the "Flats" in the fictional city of Jackson Harbor. Based on her work from 1968 to 1971, Stack explores the adaptive familial relationships and coping mechanisms used to navigate systemic oppression, economic violence, and racial inequities. The book discusses experiences of structural racism.

Informative

Contemplative

Emotional

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.2

518 ratings

71%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Carol B. Stack’s All Our Kin offers an insightful analysis of kinship and social strategies in urban African American communities. Critics praise its ethnographic depth and empathetic perspective. However, some note a lack of broader theoretical framing. Overall, it is celebrated for challenging stereotypes and enriching sociological discourse.

Who Should Read All Our Kin?

Readers who appreciated ethnographic classics like There Are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz or The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore will find All Our Kin compelling. They have a keen interest in sociological studies, urban poverty, family dynamics, and meticulously researched narratives showcasing resilience in marginalized communities.

4.2

518 ratings

71%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

The Book Brief page features content created with AI tools guided by SuperSummary experts. Read our content pledge to explore how we innovate using AI combined with deep literary knowledge.

Book Details

Pages

192

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre

Education

•

Anthropology

•

Social Science

Setting