Are Some Cities More Punishing for Low-Income Families? - Urban Inequality and Poverty

Explore the impact of urban inequality on poverty in this 41-minute Harper Lecture by Mario L. Small, Dean of the Division of Social Sciences at the University of Chicago. Examine how the Great Recession affected American cities differently, leading to varying rates of recovery and disparities in local safety nets. Delve into the question of whether escaping poverty is more challenging in certain urban ghettos than others. Learn about Small's field research in high-poverty neighborhoods and his analysis of how being born in a particular city can be as impactful as one's income bracket. Gain insights into urban poverty, social capital, personal networks, and the relationship between qualitative and quantitative social science methods. Discover how factors such as food deserts, population density, safety, geography, and organizational density contribute to the complexity of urban poverty. Consider the implications of these findings for policy-making and the need for big data and improved institutional infrastructure to address urban inequality effectively.