Structural Isolation of the Poor in Urban America

Abstract

In this paper, I explore the reasons for which concentrated poverty is a consequence of the social, political, and market mechanisms at work in urban America. I then highlight the negative effects that result from living in a neighborhood of concentrated disadvantage and discuss the ways that these effects consequently perpetuate the existence of such neighborhoods. I conclude with place-based policy recommendations to mitigate the impact of high-poverty neighborhoods and empower city dwellers to works towards Iris Marion Young's vision of the ideal city neighborhood.