Todd R Clear
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195305791
- eISBN:
- 9780199943944
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195305791.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Law, Crime and Deviance
At no time in history, and certainly in no other democratic society, have prisons been filled so quickly and to such capacity than in the United States. And nowhere has this growth been more ...
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At no time in history, and certainly in no other democratic society, have prisons been filled so quickly and to such capacity than in the United States. And nowhere has this growth been more concentrated than in the disadvantaged—and primarily minority—neighborhoods of America's largest urban cities. In the most impoverished places, as much as 20% of the adult men are locked up on any given day, and there is hardly a family without a father, son, brother, or uncle who has not been behind bars. While the effects of going to and returning home from prison are well-documented, little attention has been paid to the impact of removal on neighborhoods where large numbers of individuals have been imprisoned. In the first detailed, empirical exploration of the effects of mass incarceration on poor places, this book demonstrates that in high doses incarceration contributes to the very social problems it is intended to solve—it breaks up family and social networks; deprives siblings, spouses, and parents of emotional and financial support; threatens the economic and political infrastructure of already struggling neighborhoods; and destabilizes the community, thus further reducing public safety. Especially at risk are children who, research shows, are more likely to commit a crime if a father or brother has been to prison. Demonstrating that the current incarceration policy in urban America does more harm than good, from increasing crime to widening racial disparities and diminished life chances for youths, the book argues that we cannot overcome the problem of mass incarceration concentrated in poor places without incorporating an idea of community justice into our failing correctional and criminal justice systems.Less
At no time in history, and certainly in no other democratic society, have prisons been filled so quickly and to such capacity than in the United States. And nowhere has this growth been more concentrated than in the disadvantaged—and primarily minority—neighborhoods of America's largest urban cities. In the most impoverished places, as much as 20% of the adult men are locked up on any given day, and there is hardly a family without a father, son, brother, or uncle who has not been behind bars. While the effects of going to and returning home from prison are well-documented, little attention has been paid to the impact of removal on neighborhoods where large numbers of individuals have been imprisoned. In the first detailed, empirical exploration of the effects of mass incarceration on poor places, this book demonstrates that in high doses incarceration contributes to the very social problems it is intended to solve—it breaks up family and social networks; deprives siblings, spouses, and parents of emotional and financial support; threatens the economic and political infrastructure of already struggling neighborhoods; and destabilizes the community, thus further reducing public safety. Especially at risk are children who, research shows, are more likely to commit a crime if a father or brother has been to prison. Demonstrating that the current incarceration policy in urban America does more harm than good, from increasing crime to widening racial disparities and diminished life chances for youths, the book argues that we cannot overcome the problem of mass incarceration concentrated in poor places without incorporating an idea of community justice into our failing correctional and criminal justice systems.
Nick Buck and Ian Gordon
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861344458
- eISBN:
- 9781447301868
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861344458.003.0013
- Subject:
- Sociology, Urban and Rural Studies
This chapter examines the influence of the spatial concentration of disadvantage on social exclusion in cities in Great Britain. It attempts to answer the question of whether it is possible to ...
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This chapter examines the influence of the spatial concentration of disadvantage on social exclusion in cities in Great Britain. It attempts to answer the question of whether it is possible to identify the negative effects of living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods on individual life chances. The chapter suggests that in developing future urban policy, it is important to move away from simple assumptions about neighbourhood effects, and to consider more specifically what relevant processes may be generating these effects and how policy might modify them.Less
This chapter examines the influence of the spatial concentration of disadvantage on social exclusion in cities in Great Britain. It attempts to answer the question of whether it is possible to identify the negative effects of living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods on individual life chances. The chapter suggests that in developing future urban policy, it is important to move away from simple assumptions about neighbourhood effects, and to consider more specifically what relevant processes may be generating these effects and how policy might modify them.
Jeffrey Fagan and Valerie West
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780814789308
- eISBN:
- 9780814760239
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- NYU Press
- DOI:
- 10.18574/nyu/9780814789308.003.0008
- Subject:
- Sociology, Economic Sociology
This chapter turns to the response of the criminal justice system to neighborhood violence, in particular examining to what extent persistently high levels of incarceration can depress economic ...
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This chapter turns to the response of the criminal justice system to neighborhood violence, in particular examining to what extent persistently high levels of incarceration can depress economic well-being and human capital in disadvantaged and racially segregated communities. A panel analysis of New York City neighborhoods between 1985 and 1996, a period in which the city's violent-crime rates both rose and fell sharply, provides evidence that high incarceration rates reduce income growth, educational attainment, and work experience in disadvantaged and racially segregated neighborhoods. To rectify this, targeted micro investment and housing development in such areas can break the connection between incarceration and economic and educational disadvantage.Less
This chapter turns to the response of the criminal justice system to neighborhood violence, in particular examining to what extent persistently high levels of incarceration can depress economic well-being and human capital in disadvantaged and racially segregated communities. A panel analysis of New York City neighborhoods between 1985 and 1996, a period in which the city's violent-crime rates both rose and fell sharply, provides evidence that high incarceration rates reduce income growth, educational attainment, and work experience in disadvantaged and racially segregated neighborhoods. To rectify this, targeted micro investment and housing development in such areas can break the connection between incarceration and economic and educational disadvantage.
Anne Power
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847420503
- eISBN:
- 9781447301875
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847420503.003.0008
- Subject:
- Sociology, Urban and Rural Studies
This chapter draws together evidence from the families in the study that: a) disadvantaged neighbourhoods make family life difficult; b) in order to survive families build local community links; c) ...
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This chapter draws together evidence from the families in the study that: a) disadvantaged neighbourhoods make family life difficult; b) in order to survive families build local community links; c) that families make cities more humane; and d) cities work better when they support family life. It notes that families generate much of the social capital on which society as a whole flourishes. It also explores the dynamics of urban neighbourhoods from the perspective of parents and poses questions concerning the impact of neighbourhood conditions on family life, the issue of unpopular areas to work for families with children, strengthening community ties, and forms of interventions to counter the uncontrollable pressure on families of extremely rapid change.Less
This chapter draws together evidence from the families in the study that: a) disadvantaged neighbourhoods make family life difficult; b) in order to survive families build local community links; c) that families make cities more humane; and d) cities work better when they support family life. It notes that families generate much of the social capital on which society as a whole flourishes. It also explores the dynamics of urban neighbourhoods from the perspective of parents and poses questions concerning the impact of neighbourhood conditions on family life, the issue of unpopular areas to work for families with children, strengthening community ties, and forms of interventions to counter the uncontrollable pressure on families of extremely rapid change.
An-Sofie Smetcoren, Liesbeth De Donder, Daan Duppen, Nico De Witte, Olivia Vanmechelen, and Dominique Verté
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447331315
- eISBN:
- 9781447331339
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447331315.003.0006
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
Chapter 6 addresses the question of how an age-friendly urban environment can support frail older people to ‘age in place’. To address this issue, the chapter presents findings from a study which ...
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Chapter 6 addresses the question of how an age-friendly urban environment can support frail older people to ‘age in place’. To address this issue, the chapter presents findings from a study which assessed the value of an ‘Active Caring Community’ project in supporting frail older adults living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Brussels, Belgium. The project was aimed at creating a community which supports the process of ageing in place; where residents of the community know and help each other; where meeting opportunities are developed; and where individuals and their informal caregivers receive care and support from motivated professionals. The authors highlight the importance of the social dimension of the environment, and discuss a range of related opportunities and constraints which may affect older people’s frailty.Less
Chapter 6 addresses the question of how an age-friendly urban environment can support frail older people to ‘age in place’. To address this issue, the chapter presents findings from a study which assessed the value of an ‘Active Caring Community’ project in supporting frail older adults living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Brussels, Belgium. The project was aimed at creating a community which supports the process of ageing in place; where residents of the community know and help each other; where meeting opportunities are developed; and where individuals and their informal caregivers receive care and support from motivated professionals. The authors highlight the importance of the social dimension of the environment, and discuss a range of related opportunities and constraints which may affect older people’s frailty.
Meredith Dale, Josefine Heusinger, and Birgit Wolter
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447331315
- eISBN:
- 9781447331339
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447331315.003.0005
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
Chapter 5 examines the impact of gentrification processes in Berlin, Germany, on the distribution of older people across the city as well as the everyday experiences of ageing in socially ...
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Chapter 5 examines the impact of gentrification processes in Berlin, Germany, on the distribution of older people across the city as well as the everyday experiences of ageing in socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The chapter concludes with an overview of developments in the context of political processes, where urban transformation driven by economic interests generates growing conflict and contradiction with the needs of an ageing and increasingly less affluent population.Less
Chapter 5 examines the impact of gentrification processes in Berlin, Germany, on the distribution of older people across the city as well as the everyday experiences of ageing in socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The chapter concludes with an overview of developments in the context of political processes, where urban transformation driven by economic interests generates growing conflict and contradiction with the needs of an ageing and increasingly less affluent population.
Michael Murray and Amanda Crummett
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447314721
- eISBN:
- 9781447314745
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447314721.003.0007
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
This chapter considers the role of participation in community arts as a means of promoting greater social engagement by older people. It considers the contribution of community-based activities in ...
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This chapter considers the role of participation in community arts as a means of promoting greater social engagement by older people. It considers the contribution of community-based activities in general and emphasises that they should be considered part of a broader programme to enhance the quality of lives of residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods. It then considers in detail the impact of one specific community arts project, detailing the enthusiastic reaction of the participants but also highlighting the need to ensure ongoing support and the need to recognise the central role of the facilitator. It concludes by re-emphasising the importance of promoting control of such community initiatives by the local residents.Less
This chapter considers the role of participation in community arts as a means of promoting greater social engagement by older people. It considers the contribution of community-based activities in general and emphasises that they should be considered part of a broader programme to enhance the quality of lives of residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods. It then considers in detail the impact of one specific community arts project, detailing the enthusiastic reaction of the participants but also highlighting the need to ensure ongoing support and the need to recognise the central role of the facilitator. It concludes by re-emphasising the importance of promoting control of such community initiatives by the local residents.
Shirley A. Hill
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9781447322818
- eISBN:
- 9781447322849
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447322818.003.0004
- Subject:
- Sociology, Health, Illness, and Medicine
Racial disparities in major chronic illnesses are documented in this chapter, along with an exploration of the health behaviors of black people. Focusing on individual responsibility for maintaining ...
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Racial disparities in major chronic illnesses are documented in this chapter, along with an exploration of the health behaviors of black people. Focusing on individual responsibility for maintaining health resonates with the neoliberal agenda for curtailing social spending, but often overlooks how structural barriers and inequalities shape health behaviors and outcomes. This chapter looks at the health belief model and the theory of health behaviors to examine factors that facilitate (e.g., religion) or impede (e.g., neighbourhood disadvantage) healthy behaviors among African Americans.Less
Racial disparities in major chronic illnesses are documented in this chapter, along with an exploration of the health behaviors of black people. Focusing on individual responsibility for maintaining health resonates with the neoliberal agenda for curtailing social spending, but often overlooks how structural barriers and inequalities shape health behaviors and outcomes. This chapter looks at the health belief model and the theory of health behaviors to examine factors that facilitate (e.g., religion) or impede (e.g., neighbourhood disadvantage) healthy behaviors among African Americans.
Colette Fagan
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- June 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780853237976
- eISBN:
- 9781846313912
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780853237976.003.0006
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Cultural Studies
This chapter presents a case study of economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Liverpool and examines the support networks that are mobilised in these areas. It discusses the people's perceptions ...
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This chapter presents a case study of economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Liverpool and examines the support networks that are mobilised in these areas. It discusses the people's perceptions and concerns about their neighbourhoods and what they wanted in order to improve their neighbourhoods and to inform regeneration initiatives.Less
This chapter presents a case study of economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Liverpool and examines the support networks that are mobilised in these areas. It discusses the people's perceptions and concerns about their neighbourhoods and what they wanted in order to improve their neighbourhoods and to inform regeneration initiatives.
Joy G. Dryfoos and Carol Barkin
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195179613
- eISBN:
- 9780199847358
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195179613.001.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Developmental Psychology
Of the 33 million adolescents in the United States, almost 10 million are at risk of failing to become responsible adults. They attend schools that do not serve their needs, lack the support of ...
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Of the 33 million adolescents in the United States, almost 10 million are at risk of failing to become responsible adults. They attend schools that do not serve their needs, lack the support of caring adults, and, as a result, are alienated from mainstream society. African-American and Hispanic children, increasingly segregated in disadvantaged neighborhoods, are particularly vulnerable. This book takes a close look at the lives of young people, identifies some of their problems, and presents solutions based on state-of-the-art prevention and treatment strategies. The chapters examine important issues in adolescents' lives—sex, violence, drugs, health, mental health, and education. Reviewing successful prevention programs and policy studies, they demonstrate that we know what to do to prevent high-risk behaviors: young people need to establish relationships with adults; parents need to be involved in their children's lives; and programs need to be comprehensive, sensitive to cultural differences, and staffed by highly trained personnel. The chapters argue that turning our backs on adolescents will lead to disturbing consequences: the achievement gap will grow, outcomes will worsen, school systems will struggle with the growing disparities, and we as a nation will fall behind the rest of the world in our capacity to educate our youth. If, however, we decide that we want a better quality of life for our children, we will ensure that every young person has access to an excellent education. Schools, youth workers, and parents cannot alone provide a better quality of life for our adolescents, but each must play a major role, and all must work together.Less
Of the 33 million adolescents in the United States, almost 10 million are at risk of failing to become responsible adults. They attend schools that do not serve their needs, lack the support of caring adults, and, as a result, are alienated from mainstream society. African-American and Hispanic children, increasingly segregated in disadvantaged neighborhoods, are particularly vulnerable. This book takes a close look at the lives of young people, identifies some of their problems, and presents solutions based on state-of-the-art prevention and treatment strategies. The chapters examine important issues in adolescents' lives—sex, violence, drugs, health, mental health, and education. Reviewing successful prevention programs and policy studies, they demonstrate that we know what to do to prevent high-risk behaviors: young people need to establish relationships with adults; parents need to be involved in their children's lives; and programs need to be comprehensive, sensitive to cultural differences, and staffed by highly trained personnel. The chapters argue that turning our backs on adolescents will lead to disturbing consequences: the achievement gap will grow, outcomes will worsen, school systems will struggle with the growing disparities, and we as a nation will fall behind the rest of the world in our capacity to educate our youth. If, however, we decide that we want a better quality of life for our children, we will ensure that every young person has access to an excellent education. Schools, youth workers, and parents cannot alone provide a better quality of life for our adolescents, but each must play a major role, and all must work together.