This page introduces you to the book's content.

Collin Andrew in his work, “The Generational Illusion” addresses the aspects of housing inequality from generational dimensions. He examines how generational animosity affects the American Dream of owning a house, especially for the younger generation.

Rene Ayala’s article, “Environmental Racism: How Residential Segregation Shapes Environmental Inequality” examines the concept of “environmental racism", which describes how communities of color and working-class communities are often disproportionately exposed to environmental pollutants and toxic waste. He outlines some of the explanations provided by environmental researchers and activists for the causes of environmental racism and considers how environmental racism can help us understand the historical context behind the recent water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi. 

Andrew Bartel’s “Historic Preservation Coast to Coast” examines the intersection of preserving old buildings in cities across America and housing inequality. The project is built around three case studies – San Francisco, Omaha, and Washington, D.C., and looks at how they have used or misused historic buildings to address housing needs, from NIMBYs in the Bay Area to a demolished historic district in Omaha, and upscale apartments in D.C. office buildings. He concludes with a look at programs at various levels designed to preserve historic buildings and make them useful to everyone in the community, not just the wealthy. Finally, it will draw broad conclusions about how historic preservation can be used with regard to housing inequality. 

In “Native American Housing: How Poor Housing Harms Indigenous Health”, Trisha Bonham reviews the displacement and relocation of the Native American Indians. Historically, the US federal government had removed and reallocated lands that belongs to the Native Americans. Several studies have shown that Native Americans live in third-world conditions, remote and isolated areas with a higher risk of various health implications. 

Katie Cline’s article, "Pets & Housing: It's 'Ruff!'" explores topics surrounding housing and pet ownership. This includes inequalities surrounding how a pet owner’s race and/or age affect their access to quality housing; emotional support animals and their hotly contended place in the rental market; and homelessness and pet ownership. She uses data from academic sources supplemented with videos from outside, public-facing sources to illustrate housing discrimination against pet owners in America.  

In “How NIMBYism Exacerbates Housing Inequality” James Cousino discusses how housing inequality is fueled by rising costs of living. Inventories have declined as demand has increased. The result is a housing shortage that contributes to soaring prices. Low- and middle-income households are hit hardest as an increasingly high share of their income is spent on housing. The solution is to build more housing which would increase inventories and alleviate pressure on supply constraints to help meet demand. Unfortunately, exclusionary zoning laws prevent the development of new housing. Organized local opposition prevents localities from reforming zoning laws to allow development. Residents oppose the development of new housing near them to maintain the value of their own homes and therefore their wealth. 

Marcus Harris’ “Housing and Wealth Inequality in the African American Community” documents how wealth is created through homeownership, and the role housing discrimination, through racial covenants and redlining, has contributed in wealth disparities between African Americans and White U.S. citizens. 

In addition, Iswat Jinad in her article, “Immigrant Housing Inequality in America” focuses on the housing challenges faced by immigrants in the United States. Studies indicate that immigrants are more likely to spend more of their income on rent compared to native-born. This reality often alters the dream of homeownership for many immigrants and often negatively impacts other aspects of their lives. She draws interactive resources to reify the frustrating immigrant housing experience in the United States and how this constitutes a form of social inequality for immigrants. 

Kristine Ketel in her work, “Poor People Are Over Surveilled Compared to Other Socio-Economic classes: A Historical and Legal Analysis of Class Inequality Within the US Surveillance State” describes and substantiates how civilian surveillance has become the norm across society in the twenty-first century. It illustrates how those living in poverty are subjected to more invasive and excessive surveillance which contributes to the cycle of housing inequality. 

Melissa Ladd’s “Post-WWII urban exodus and the birth of the suburbs” examines how Post-World War II America was a country healing from the devastation of the Great Depression bookended by two wars. This began the national trend of the migration of American families out of cities and into new developments of more affordably constructed homes, giving birth to the suburbs, which today make up most American household developments. However, from the beginning, the creation of the suburbs was founded upon racist and discriminatory policies, the repercussions of which still sustain significant inequality in the housing landscape today. 

Tina Nandi’s “Race, Repression State Apparatus, and Homelessness in the US: From Colonialism to COVID ‘19” documents the question of homelessness and how it remains tied to issues on property and accessibility in the US. Homelessness has been systematically produced and reproduced from the days of early “colonialism” to the period of “COVID-19” pandemic conjuncture. She examines the intertwined relationship of colonialism, race, accumulation of capital, and homelessness in the US.   

In “Housing Inequality and Access to Quality Education”, Morgan Quinley focuses on the role housing inequality has played in the quality of education some students receive. She walks through the basics of how schools in the United States are funded and demonstrates how where you live drastically changes the opportunity for the quality of education you receive. She finishes the section reviewing the solutions the government has offered to combat this inequality.  

In “Visualizing Housing Inequality”, Andrew Schocket examines the contemporary and historical period of racial housing inequality through a survey of interactive resources to explain and explore one of the major factors of housing inequality. With a major focus on Black and White racial disparities.