Displacing Democracy

Economic Segregation in America

Business & Finance, Economics, Urban & Regional, Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Social Policy
Cover of the book Displacing Democracy by Amy Widestrom, University of Pennsylvania Press, Inc.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Amy Widestrom ISBN: 9780812290356
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press, Inc. Publication: November 21, 2014
Imprint: University of Pennsylvania Press Language: English
Author: Amy Widestrom
ISBN: 9780812290356
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press, Inc.
Publication: November 21, 2014
Imprint: University of Pennsylvania Press
Language: English

In recent decades, economically disadvantaged Americans have become more residentially segregated from other communities: they are increasingly likely to live in high-poverty neighborhoods that are spatially isolated with few civic resources. Low-income citizens are also less likely to be politically engaged, a trend that is most glaring in terms of voter turnout. Examining neighborhoods in Atlanta, Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Rochester, Amy Widestrom challenges the assumption that the "class gap" in political participation is largely the result of individual choices and dispositions. Displacing Democracy demonstrates that neighborhoods segregated along economic lines create conditions that encourage high levels of political activity, including political and civic mobilization and voting, among wealthier citizens while discouraging and impeding the poor from similar forms of civic engagement.

Drawing on quantitative research, case studies, and interviews, Widestrom shows that neighborhood-level resources and characteristics affect political engagement in distinct ways that are not sufficiently appreciated in the current understanding of American politics and political behavior. In addition to the roles played by individual traits and assets, increasing economic segregation in the United States denies low-income citizens the civic and social resources vital for political mobilization and participation. People living in poverty lack the time, money, and skills for active civic engagement, and this is compounded by the fact that residential segregation creates a barren civic environment incapable of supporting a vibrant civic community. Over time, this creates a balance of political power that is dramatically skewed not only toward individuals with greater incomes but toward entire neighborhoods with more economic resources.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In recent decades, economically disadvantaged Americans have become more residentially segregated from other communities: they are increasingly likely to live in high-poverty neighborhoods that are spatially isolated with few civic resources. Low-income citizens are also less likely to be politically engaged, a trend that is most glaring in terms of voter turnout. Examining neighborhoods in Atlanta, Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Rochester, Amy Widestrom challenges the assumption that the "class gap" in political participation is largely the result of individual choices and dispositions. Displacing Democracy demonstrates that neighborhoods segregated along economic lines create conditions that encourage high levels of political activity, including political and civic mobilization and voting, among wealthier citizens while discouraging and impeding the poor from similar forms of civic engagement.

Drawing on quantitative research, case studies, and interviews, Widestrom shows that neighborhood-level resources and characteristics affect political engagement in distinct ways that are not sufficiently appreciated in the current understanding of American politics and political behavior. In addition to the roles played by individual traits and assets, increasing economic segregation in the United States denies low-income citizens the civic and social resources vital for political mobilization and participation. People living in poverty lack the time, money, and skills for active civic engagement, and this is compounded by the fact that residential segregation creates a barren civic environment incapable of supporting a vibrant civic community. Over time, this creates a balance of political power that is dramatically skewed not only toward individuals with greater incomes but toward entire neighborhoods with more economic resources.

More books from University of Pennsylvania Press, Inc.

Cover of the book Public Pensions and City Solvency by Amy Widestrom
Cover of the book Republic of Taste by Amy Widestrom
Cover of the book Optiques by Amy Widestrom
Cover of the book Women's Radical Reconstruction by Amy Widestrom
Cover of the book Battle Lines by Amy Widestrom
Cover of the book Dignity Rights by Amy Widestrom
Cover of the book The Brandywine by Amy Widestrom
Cover of the book Rethinking the American City by Amy Widestrom
Cover of the book Christian Society and the Crusades, 1198-1229 by Amy Widestrom
Cover of the book Forging Rights in a New Democracy by Amy Widestrom
Cover of the book Esperanto and Its Rivals by Amy Widestrom
Cover of the book Free Speech on Campus by Amy Widestrom
Cover of the book Exotic Nation by Amy Widestrom
Cover of the book Love and Honor in the Himalayas by Amy Widestrom
Cover of the book Righteous Persecution by Amy Widestrom
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy