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Race, Economic Justice, and Public Housing Policy: A Historical Examination

Allen Parker

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Published in New Deal Ruins: Race Economic Justice And Public Housing Policy

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Public housing in the United States has a long and complex history that is deeply intertwined with race and economic justice. From its inception, public housing has been shaped by racial discrimination and segregation, which have led to profound disparities in access to safe and affordable housing for communities of color. These disparities have contributed to economic inequality and persistent poverty in these communities.

New Deal Ruins: Race, Economic Justice, and Public Housing Policy

by Edward G. Goetz

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
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This article examines the historical relationship between race, economic justice, and public housing policy in the United States. It explores the ways in which public housing policy has been used to perpetuate racial discrimination and segregation, and how it has contributed to economic inequality in communities of color. The article also discusses contemporary efforts to promote racial and economic justice in public housing.

Historical Context

The history of public housing in the United States is closely tied to the history of racial discrimination and segregation. The first public housing projects were built in the 1930s as part of the New Deal. However, these projects were often segregated by race, with white families living in better-quality housing than black families.

In the 1940s and 1950s, the federal government continued to build public housing projects, but these projects were often located in poor neighborhoods that were already home to large populations of black families. This concentration of public housing in poor neighborhoods led to a cycle of poverty and disinvestment, which further exacerbated racial inequality.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the federal government began to take steps to desegregate public housing. However, these efforts were often met with resistance from white communities, who feared that desegregation would lead to a decline in their property values. As a result, public housing remained largely segregated throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Racial Discrimination and Segregation in Public Housing

Racial discrimination and segregation have been persistent features of public housing policy in the United States. These practices have had a devastating impact on communities of color, leading to poverty, inequality, and other social problems.

One of the most well-documented forms of racial discrimination in public housing is the practice of "redlining." Redlining is the systematic denial of mortgages or other financial services to residents of certain neighborhoods, based on the racial composition of those neighborhoods. This practice has been used to segregate communities of color and prevent them from accessing safe and affordable housing.

Another form of racial discrimination in public housing is the practice of "steering." Steering is the practice of directing potential homebuyers to certain neighborhoods based on their race. This practice has been used to segregate communities of color and prevent them from moving into white neighborhoods.

Economic Inequality and Public Housing

Racial discrimination and segregation in public housing have led to profound economic inequality in communities of color. Public housing residents are disproportionately likely to be poor, unemployed, and undereducated. They are also more likely to live in neighborhoods with high levels of crime and violence.

The concentration of poverty in public housing communities has created a cycle of disinvestment and decline. This cycle has made it difficult for public housing residents to improve their lives and escape poverty.

Contemporary Efforts to Promote Racial and Economic Justice in Public Housing

In recent years, there have been growing efforts to promote racial and economic justice in public housing. These efforts have included:

* Increasing funding for public housing. * Expanding access to housing vouchers. * Investing in community development programs. * Promoting homeownership opportunities for public housing residents.

These efforts have had some success in reducing racial disparities in public housing and improving the lives of public housing residents. However, much more work needs to be done to address the legacy of racial discrimination and segregation in public housing.

Public housing policy in the United States has a long and complex history that is deeply intertwined with race and economic justice. Racial discrimination and segregation have been persistent features of public housing policy, and these practices have had a devastating impact on communities of color. Public housing residents are disproportionately likely to be poor, unemployed, and undereducated. They are also more likely to live in neighborhoods with high levels of crime and violence.

In recent years, there have been growing efforts to promote racial and economic justice in public housing. These efforts have had some success in reducing racial disparities in public housing and improving the lives of public housing residents. However, much more work needs to be done to address the legacy of racial discrimination and segregation in public housing.

By working together, we can create a more just and equitable society in which everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.

New Deal Ruins: Race, Economic Justice, and Public Housing Policy

by Edward G. Goetz

4.9 out of 5