Stuck in Place

'Stuck in Place' is a book I am reading which investigates the real causes in the lack of progress among African Americans (and other minorities) in portions of urban neighborhoods.  Our charity obviously works in many parts of Chicago and other metropolitan areas in other American cities and I wanted to better understand the ongoing poverty and neglect. 

Patrick Sharkey, the author, hasn't just studied social problems such as violence, joblessness, blight, low property values, and poverty but he takes a look at the effects the entire neighborhood or community has on a person/group of people over a long period of time.  His point is that what any one individual suffers is not merely the product of his/her situation nor purely under their control.  The community and multi-generational condition of the neighborhood has devastating consequences for any one person.

One of the striking conclusions, according to Sharkey's work is "that social problems that characterize poor, segregated urban neighborhoods have not arisen because of any character deficiencies of low-income African Americans or other ethnic minorities.  These , problems have emerged due to a combination of economic and political disinvestment in urban neighborhoods."

When there is a lack of investment in any neighborhood, it stands to reason that the neighborhood with its schools, businesses and home properties will suffer the consequences.

I look forward to sharing more of Sharkey's work with you in the coming days.

Dick