Synopses & Reviews
Review
"This is a major work that will influence debate on the issue of American urban poverty into the next century. The authors argue that the recent upsurge in urban poverty has been generated by a particular set of American political responses to changes in the international and national economies, exacerbated by a long process of federally subsidized suburbanization and by racial discrimination. The difference [from Wilson's the Truly Disadvantaged
] is that Goldsmith and Blakely's policy recommendations are more comprehensive and have a greater focus on strategies 'from the bottom up.'" —Joe T. Darden, Dean of Urban Affairs Programs, Michigan State University
Review
"Goldsmith and Blakely present a vivid, factually accurate account of the post-1970s rise in inequality, underemployment, poverty, and collapsing societal infrastructures. Having outlined the dimensions of national disaster, they do not give up hope. Rather, they advocate the improved industrial policy, expanded opportunity for education, and increased family support.... Their provocative optimism, although guarded, is a refreshing challenge, much needed in this period of pessimism and cynicism." —Robin M. Williams, Jr., Henry Scarborough Professor of Social Science, Emeritus, Cornell University
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 215-233) and index.
About the Author
William W. Goldsmith is Professor of City and Regional Planning and Director of the Program on International Studies in Planning at Cornell University.