between the poor and the rich is in sight and; (7) invariably, the authors recommend that a plan be devised to provide more substantial help to the poor and the minorities.
Using ample empirical evidence, this collection shows that the 1949 stated goal of a decent home and living environment for all families has not been achieved. Why? To some, the simplest explanation is that not enough has been done to combat the problem. Another explanation may be that the theoretical arguments forming the basis for the past/current housing policies are not sound and need revisions. That is, the continued housing problem raises the fundamental question regarding the underlying theoretical perspectives and the adequacy of the mechanism devised to deal with it.
This book provides reliable data demonstrating the extent of disparity in housing among groups. Fresh data primarily drawn from recent census reports and the Annual Housing Surveys are utilized. The focus of this book is on the poor and the low income minorities. However, since the assessment of minority housing conditions requires a comparison with the dominant majority group, the housing of whites has also been necessarily discussed. The chapters are intended to provide a bridge between empirical data, theoretical perspectives, and policy. Also it may be noted that the authors of this collection are drawn from a variety of disciplines--demography, geography, urban planning, policy-making, sociology (in academics and applied settings), economics, and social work. Most of the authors are themselves members of minority groups. This may be regarded as a unique feature of this volume.
This book should be of value to housing researchers, academicians, urban policymakers, urban planners, realtors, developers, governmental officials at all levels, political leaders, private financiers, civil right groups, and the general public. In view of the fact that housing has become a basic component of city planning and urban development curricula at many colleges and universities, the present volume could also be used as a supplementary reading for courses in urban planning, urban sociology, housing, and related courses.
Carter G. P. 1985. "Waiting for District Public Housing: As Backlog Grows, So Does Despair for a Family on Hold for 13 Years". Washington Post (30 November): F1, F5.
Hombs M. A., and M. Snyder. 1982. Homelessness in America: A Forced March to Nowhere. Washington, D.C.: Committee for Creative Non-Violence.
HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development). 1984. A Report to the Secretary on the Homeless and Emergency Shelters. Washington, D.C.: HUD.
McQueen Michel. 1985. "Hughes Urges Housing Aid". Washington Post (7 December): D1, D6.
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