"The term “structural” is merely rhetorical, signaling the boldness of candidates' ideas. Calling a social pattern a structure — is a metaphor to suggest that it has solidity and staying power. If structures could be remade by policy fixes alone, many of our enduring social problems would have been solved long ago. The probability is low that any elected candidate will be in a position to make big structural changes to our society. Changes, yes, to make a real difference in people’s lives — but not changes that would fundamentally alter America’s social, economic and political structures. Racial structures are a good example; racial inequalities are remarkably durable! One instance: in the US the wealth gap between the average white family & the average black family is the same today as it was in 1962, despite gains in civil rights and the expansion of the black professional class."
At www.nytimes.com
