Are things really getting better? The labour market experience of black and female youth at the start of the century

Evidence suggests that, at school, young women now fare better than young men and that the labour market chances of some young blacks relatively improved in the last part of the century. However, by an analysis of econometric studies, case study work and official statistics, this paper debunks the idea that, for the majority of these groups, 'things are getting better'. The main explanation is that their disadvantage is ground in the particular form of labour market stratification that each experiences. New Labour Policy is presented and recommendations made for change.