Displacing Democracy: Economic Segregation in America (American Governance: Politics, Policy, and Public Law)

Widestrom, Amy

ISBN 10: 0812246594 / ISBN 13: 9780812246599

Edité par University of Pennsylvania Press, 2015

A propos de cet article

In English.

N° de réf. du vendeur ria9780812246599_new

Détails bibliographiques

• Titre: Displacing Democracy: Economic Segregation in America (American Governance: Politics, Policy, and Public Law)
• Éditeur: University of Pennsylvania Press
• Date de parution: 2015
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN à 10 chiffres: 0812246594
• ISBN à 13 chiffres: 9780812246599
• Reliure: Couverture rigide
• État de l'article: New

A propos de ce titre

Synopsis

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.

À propos de l'auteur

Amy Widestrom teaches political science at Arcadia University. She was chosen in 2016 for a Clarence Stone Scholar Award by the Urban and Local Politics Section of the American Political Science Association.