Urban Poverty Dynamics explores the complex web of factors driving concentrated poverty in urban areas, linking it to rural-urban migration and strains on social structures. The book examines economic opportunities, housing affordability, and social mobility, highlighting how deindustrialization and discriminatory housing policies have shaped urban landscapes. One key insight is that the spatial concentration of poverty isn't random but results from systemic inequalities. The book argues for moving beyond individual explanations of poverty to address the structural forces that perpetuate it. Analyzing data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau alongside interviews with residents and policy experts, the book reveals how zoning regulations, public housing policies, and gentrification limit housing options for low-income families. It also emphasizes the limitations of place-based strategies.
Structured to provide a comprehensive examination, the book begins by defining key concepts, explores urban labor markets, analyzes housing markets, and examines barriers to upward mobility. The concluding chapters offer recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders, providing a framework for analyzing root causes and designing effective interventions promoting inclusive urban development. The book directly addresses ongoing debates surrounding government intervention and the effectiveness of anti-poverty programs.
