Race, Class, and Change in an Urban Community: A Book Review

Streetwise: Race, Class, and Change in an Urban Community

by Elijah Anderson

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2503 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	276 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In his seminal work, 'Race, Class, and Change in an Urban Community', William Julius Wilson examines the complex interplay of race, class, and change in American cities. Published in 1987, the book has become a classic in the field of urban sociology and has had a profound impact on our understanding of the challenges facing urban communities today.

Wilson's research focuses on the South Side of Chicago, a predominantly African American community that has been plagued by poverty, crime, and social unrest for decades. Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative data, Wilson argues that the decline of the South Side is not simply the result of racial discrimination, but rather the product of a complex set of economic and social factors.

One of the most important factors that Wilson identifies is the deindustrialization of the American economy. In the past, the South Side was home to a number of large factories and manufacturing plants that provided jobs for thousands of working-class residents. However, as these factories closed down and moved to other parts of the country, the South Side lost its economic base.

The loss of jobs had a devastating impact on the South Side community. Without jobs, residents were unable to pay their rent or mortgage, and many were forced to move out of the neighborhood. This led to a decline in the population and a decrease in the tax base, which in turn made it difficult for the city to provide essential services to the remaining residents.

In addition to the loss of jobs, Wilson also identifies a number of other factors that have contributed to the decline of the South Side. These include:

Wilson's book is a powerful and insightful analysis of the challenges facing urban communities today. He argues that the decline of the South Side is not simply the result of racial discrimination, but rather the product of a complex set of economic and social factors. His work has helped us to understand the root causes of urban poverty and inequality, and it offers important insights into how we can create more just and equitable cities.

'Race, Class, and Change in an Urban Community' is a must-read for anyone who is interested in understanding the challenges facing urban communities today. Wilson's research is rigorous and insightful, and his analysis is clear and accessible. This book is an essential resource for policymakers, community activists, and anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of urban residents.

Streetwise: Race, Class, and Change in an Urban Community

by Elijah Anderson

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2503 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	276 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE