Neighborhood Poverty: Context and Consequences for Children

• DOI: 10.2307/353903
• Publication Date: 2006-05-05T07:06:46Z
• Authors: Catherine S. Chilman; Jeanne Brooks-Gunn; Greg J. Duncan; J. Lawrence Aber
• Keywords: 4. Education; 11. Sustainability; 05 social sciences; 1. No poverty; 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences; 16. Peace & justice; 10. No inequality

Neighborhood Poverty: Context and Consequences for Children, Volume I, Policy Implications in Studying Neighborhoods, II. Jeanne BrooksGunn, Greg J. Duncan, & Lawrence Aber (Eds.). New York: Russell Sage Foundation. 1997. 334 pp. 238 ISBNs 0-8154-145-9 0-87154-146-7. $49.95 $39.95 cloth. This two-volume study of the effects poor urban neighborhoods on families makes a stimulating contribution to related theory, research, public policies, programs. Its emphasis human development an ecological context is part welcome growing trend. See, example, Phyllis Moen, Glen H. Elder, Kurt Luscher (1955), Duncan Brooks-Gunn (1977). The contents present volumes are so rich that it impossible do justice them here. I chiefly report discussion large, multidisciplinary studies neighborhood family influences cognitive, behavioral, educational outcomes children adolescents at various stages their development. It also includes chapters conceptual issues implications findings federal policies. II explores theories about poverty, ecology, research methods, programs state local levels. These books were developed under auspices Social Science Research Council. Further funding was provided by number foundations. project's goal establish program improve understanding causes consequences persistent, concentrated poverty build base design implementation better policies group social scientists came from variety universities. undertaking sparked work Urie Bronfenbrenner (1979) W. Wilson's book (1987) severe neighborhoods. group, extensive review past concluded showed only weak inconsistent evidence composition individual outcomes. decided, therefore, attempt develop new concepts, empirical would guide further research. A analyses six existing data sets carried out. Three these included national, longitudinal data-the Panel Study Income Dynamics, National Longitudinal Youth, Infant Health Development Program. other three more nature. All Black, White, Hispanic participants. Census information neighborhoods, including socioeconomic levels population, ethnic diversity, rates male joblessness, concentration. Important not available community resources such as schools services. Rates crime housing characteristics provided. authors comment length inadequacy census tract true However, best available. Family, child, adolescent variable, but generally demographic characteristics, headship, income, maternal education hours employment. Some learning environment home warmth, coping behaviors, depression, support. Information child differed set. measures intelligence psychosocial behaviors different ages. discuss deficiencies recommend ways them. Results multiple regression analysis presented exquisite detail numerous tables graphs. summary shows conditions often significant predictors aspects …