Segregation in Federally Subsidized Low-Income Housing in the United States - (Praeger Political Economy) (Hardcover)

About the Book

Earlier studies of subsidized housing assume that segregation is a manifestation of white prejudice, and that the Fair Housing Act of 1968 would significantly remedy inequalities in housing and, in the process, narrow the socioeconomic gap between racial groups. This book argues, on the contrary, that segregation by race and income has been an integral part of federal housing policy from its inception and that white prejudice merely obscures the federal government's role in maintaining segregation.

Despite formal claims of providing decent, safe, and sanitary housing for the poor, the authors show how federal low-income housing programs have been used as instruments of urban renewal while doing little to realize their formal goals. The authors use a historical and statistical review of federally subsidized low-rent housing to demonstrate their thesis.

Book Synopsis

Earlier studies of subsidized housing assume that segregation is a manifestation of white prejudice, and that the Fair Housing Act of 1968 would significantly remedy inequalities in housing and, in the process, narrow the socioeconomic gap between racial groups. This book argues, on the contrary, that segregation by race and income has been an integral part of federal housing policy from its inception and that white prejudice merely obscures the federal government's role in maintaining segregation.

Despite formal claims of providing decent, safe, and sanitary housing for the poor, the authors show how federal low-income housing programs have been used as instruments of urban renewal while doing little to realize their formal goals. The authors use a historical and statistical review of federally subsidized low-rent housing to demonstrate their thesis.

Review Quotes

.,."provides valuable information on the racial segregation that was an overt part of the public housing program of the past. It is important for students of assisted housing to learn this history. The book also assembles a great deal of current data describing the occupancy of subsidized housing by race and the siting of that housing in terms of income....those interested in the evaluation of assisted housing programs will find this information to be insightful."-APA Journal

?...provides valuable information on the racial segregation that was an overt part of the public housing program of the past. It is important for students of assisted housing to learn this history. The book also assembles a great deal of current data describing the occupancy of subsidized housing by race and the siting of that housing in terms of income....those interested in the evaluation of assisted housing programs will find this information to be insightful.?-APA Journal

..."provides valuable information on the racial segregation that was an overt part of the public housing program of the past. It is important for students of assisted housing to learn this history. The book also assembles a great deal of current data describing the occupancy of subsidized housing by race and the siting of that housing in terms of income....those interested in the evaluation of assisted housing programs will find this information to be insightful."-APA Journal

About the Author

MODIBO COULIBALY is a Research Assistant in the Department of Economics at Howard University.

RODNEY D. GREEN is Professor of Economics at Howard University. His earlier books include Minority Displacement and Rapid Transit Station Site Development (1993) and Forecasting with Computer Models: Energy, Population, and Econometric Forecasting (Praeger, 1985).

DAVID M. JAMES is on the faculty at Howard University.