Preview Extract
Multiple Choice 1. The housing problem is characterized by a. an insufficient number of low-rent housing units. b. changes in the housing market. c. an increase in the proportion of high-rent housing units. d. All of the above Answer: d. All of the above 2. Government intervention in housing began a. with the New Deal. b. in New York in 1870. c. with the South Bronx project. d. to solve the housing shortage that followed World War II. Answer: a. with the New Deal. 3. The federal housing programs of the New Deal had all but which of the following goals? a. direct federal founds to encourage the construction of new housing b. guarantee construction loans c. build low-rent public housing through the Public Works administration d. seize decaying areas and give them to developers willing to rehabilitate them Answer: d. seize decaying areas and give them to developers willing to rehabilitate them 4. Edward Banfield argues that a. public housing projects have been quite successful in providing people with affordable housing. b. residents’ irresponsible behavior is often to blame for the lack of public housing success. c. the architecture of public housing creates pathological behavior. d. poverty itself is the cause of public housing problems. Answer: b. residents’ irresponsible behavior is often to blame for the lack of public housing success. 5. The Section 8 Program a. was established during the New Deal era. b. provides rent subsidies to low-income tenants. c. transfers federal resources to local government in order to build public housing. d. has decreased the stock of low-cost rental housing. Answer: b. provides rent subsidies to low-income tenants. 6. Deterioration of buildings in inner city occurs because a. nobody wants to live there. b. their maintenance represents more costs than rental income warrants. c. they are destroyed by vandals and looters. d. they are not insured. Answer: b. their maintenance represents more costs than rental income warrants. 7. “Sweat Equity” a. describes the exploitation of young workers in the inner city. b. allows individuals with low income to invest in a residence. c. has not been very successful in providing affordable housing. d. is a form of gentrification. Answer: b. allows individuals with low income to invest in a residence. 8. Gentrification a. has allowed poor people to own their residence. b. results from Section 8 programs. c. has increased the number of low-rent housing units in the city. d. refers to the movement of more affluent North Americans back into older, decaying areas of the city. Answer: d. refers to the movement of more affluent North Americans back into older, decaying areas of the city. 9. The “New Urbanism” is sometimes criticized for a. its emphasis on high-rise buildings. b. the fact that it isolates the poor in specific areas. c. the lack of attention to aesthetics. d. the fact that it reduces the number of low-income housing units. Answer: d. the fact that it reduces the number of low-income housing units. 10. Prior to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, most urban schools had a policy of __________, moving children through grades with their age peers regardless of their actual learning achievement. a. social promotions b. social reproduction c. mandatory advancement d. environmental adaptation Answer: a. social promotions 11. __________ offer special programs to attract students from many districts to achieve integration. a. Charter schools b. School vouchers c. Magnet schools d. Busing programs Answer: c. Magnet schools 12. Some school districts offer parents credit that is equal to the state’s share of the cost of educating a child. This strategy is referred to as a. magnet schools. b. school vouchers. c. charter schools. d. busing. Answer: b. school vouchers. 13. _________ are privately operated and with less state regulation, so that teachers and administrators can try out new teaching strategies. a. School vouchers b. Busing programs c. Magnet schools d. Charter schools Answer: d. Charter schools 14. Crime rates today are a. on the rise. b. highest in cities. c. not different in city and suburbs. d. lower than in 1980. Answer: b. highest in cities. 15. Within urban areas, crime is a. most concentrated in rich neighborhoods. b. most concentrated in poor neighborhoods. c. most likely to affect white teenagers. d. most likely to affect rich individuals. Answer: b. most concentrated in poor neighborhoods. 16. Herrnstein and Murray argue that a. IQ tests are not representative of people’s level of intelligence. b. the feeling of alienation and relative deprivation explains the high incidence of crime in the inner city. c. inner-city residents are more likely to commit crime because of their lower IQ. d. inner-city residents are victims of social inequalities. Answer: c. inner-city residents are more likely to commit crime because of their lower IQ. 17. Black-white residential segregation a. has increased since 1990. b. explains inter-city variations in the black murder rate. c. is practically impossible to measure. d. does not seem to influence violent crime. Answer: b. explains inter-city variations in the black murder rate. 18. Oscar Newman found that crime rates a. could be reduced by improving architectural design. b. are influenced by inner city culture. c. are somewhat lower in large high-rise housing. d. cannot be reduced unless poverty is eliminated. Answer: a. could be reduced by improving architectural design. True/False 19. The problem of housing is related to the problem of poverty. Answer: True 20. Defining housing as “substandard” is somewhat arbitrary. Answer: True 21. The housing market has generated an increase in the number of low-rent units. Answer: False 22. The New Deal provided loan guarantees to veterans. Answer: False 23. The dominant culture in the United States favors private over public ownership. Answer: True 24. The Housing Act of 1968 failed because it ignored the economic interests of developers. Answer: False 25. Homesteading programs have helped to rehabilitate more than 1 million homes. Answer: False 26. Gentrification contradicts Burgess’s concentric zone model. Answer: True 27. Gentrification offers new yuppie residents greater variety and stimulation. Answer: True 28. Boston’s Columbia Point illustrates the success of homesteading programs. Answer: False 29. The new urbanism emphasizes the importance of public spaces. Answer: True 30. Unlike affluent communities, cities lack the tax base to provide adequate per-student expenditures, even with additional state aid. Answer: True 31. Magnet schools are inexpensive to operate. Answer: False 32. Charter schools are not held accountable for achieving educational results. Answer: False 33. TV shows influence public perception of crime. Answer: True 34. Most people believe that crime is on the rise. Answer: True 35. Violent crimes have decreased dramatically, especially among juveniles. Answer: False 36. The greatest concentration of criminal offenses occurs in inner-city poor neighborhoods. Answer: True 37. Two-thirds of police arrests for serious crimes involve white people. Answer: True 38. Banfield argues that crime is strongly related to low IQ. Answer: False 39. Ruth Peterson and Lauren Krivo coined the term hypersegregation. Answer: False 40. In larger and taller buildings, crime occurs mostly in public areas. Answer: True Essay/Discussion 41. Compare the advantages and limitations of public and private projects in providing low-cost housing. Answer: Public Projects: Advantages: 1. Funding: Public projects often have access to government funding, which can be substantial and reliable, ensuring a steady flow of resources. 2. Affordability: Public projects are often aimed at providing housing for low-income individuals, leading to lower costs for tenants. 3. Social Responsibility: Public projects are driven by social welfare objectives, aiming to provide housing to those in need rather than for profit. 4. Long-Term Stability: Public projects are less prone to market fluctuations and economic downturns, providing more stable housing options. Limitations: 1. Bureaucracy: Public projects can be hindered by bureaucratic processes, leading to delays and inefficiencies in implementation. 2. Limited Innovation: Public projects may be less innovative compared to private projects, as they often adhere to strict regulations and standards. 3. Limited Scope: Public projects may be limited in scope due to budget constraints, potentially leaving many in need without housing. 4. Maintenance Challenges: Public projects may face challenges in maintenance and upkeep, leading to deterioration over time if not properly managed. Private Projects: Advantages: 1. Innovation: Private projects are often more innovative in design and construction methods, leading to potentially more efficient and aesthetically pleasing housing solutions. 2. Speed of Implementation: Private projects can be implemented more quickly than public projects, as they are not subject to the same bureaucratic processes. 3. Market Responsiveness: Private projects can respond to market demands and trends, potentially offering a wider range of housing options. 4. Profit Incentive: Private projects have a profit incentive, which can attract more investment and resources, leading to higher-quality housing. Limitations: 1. Affordability Concerns: Private projects may focus more on profitability, leading to higher rental or purchase costs that may not be affordable for low-income individuals. 2. Risk of Speculation: Private projects may be susceptible to speculation, leading to housing being built for investment purposes rather than for providing affordable housing. 3. Less Focus on Social Welfare: Private projects may prioritize profit over social welfare, potentially leading to less focus on providing housing for those in need. 4. Dependency on Market Conditions: Private projects are more dependent on market conditions, making them vulnerable to economic downturns and fluctuations. In summary, while public projects have the advantage of social responsibility and affordability, they may be limited by bureaucracy and funding constraints. On the other hand, private projects are more innovative and responsive to market demands but may prioritize profit over social welfare and affordability. Both types of projects have their strengths and limitations, and a combination of both approaches may be necessary to address the complex issue of low-cost housing provision. 42. What are the different factors that explain the failure of most high-rise public housing projects? Suggest some solutions. Answer: Factors Explaining Failure: 1. Poor Planning and Design: Many high-rise public housing projects were poorly planned and designed, leading to issues such as lack of natural light, ventilation, and community spaces, which can contribute to a sense of isolation and dissatisfaction among residents. 2. Social Issues: High-rise public housing projects often concentrate low-income families in one area, leading to social issues such as crime, vandalism, and a lack of community cohesion. 3. Maintenance Challenges: High-rise buildings require regular maintenance, which can be challenging for public housing authorities to manage, leading to deterioration of the buildings over time. 4. Lack of Resident Involvement: Residents are often not involved in the planning and management of high-rise public housing projects, leading to a lack of ownership and pride in the community. 5. Stigmatization: High-rise public housing projects are often stigmatized, leading to a negative perception among the general public and potential difficulties in attracting residents and investment. Solutions: 1. Mixed-Income Communities: Integrate public housing units within mixed-income developments to avoid the concentration of low-income families and promote social diversity. 2. Community Engagement: Involve residents in the planning, design, and management of public housing projects to create a sense of ownership and community pride. 3. Improved Design: Focus on designing buildings that prioritize natural light, ventilation, and community spaces to create a more livable and pleasant environment for residents. 4. Maintenance Programs: Implement regular maintenance programs to ensure that buildings are kept in good condition and to prevent deterioration over time. 5. Social Services: Provide access to social services such as childcare, healthcare, and education within public housing developments to support residents and promote community well-being. 6. Transportation and Connectivity: Ensure that public housing developments are wellconnected to public transportation and amenities such as schools, hospitals, and shopping centers to improve residents' quality of life. 7. Crime Prevention Measures: Implement crime prevention measures such as security cameras, lighting, and community policing to improve safety and reduce crime rates in public housing developments. By addressing these factors and implementing these solutions, high-rise public housing projects can be more successful in providing safe, affordable, and sustainable housing for low-income families. 43. Discuss the implications of meeting the “no child left behind” challenge. Answer: Meeting the "no child left behind" challenge has significant implications for education, society, and the economy. This goal, often associated with the No Child Left Behind Act in the United States, represents a commitment to ensuring that every child receives a quality education and reaches their full potential. Here are some key implications: 1. Equity in Education: Meeting this challenge requires addressing disparities in educational access and quality. It involves ensuring that children from all backgrounds, including low-income families and marginalized communities, have access to highquality education. 2. Academic Achievement: The goal of leaving no child behind necessitates improving overall academic achievement levels. This can lead to a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce, which is essential for economic growth and competitiveness. 3. Social Mobility: Education is a key driver of social mobility. By ensuring that every child receives a quality education, society can help break the cycle of poverty and provide opportunities for upward social mobility. 4. Reduced Inequality: Meeting this challenge can contribute to reducing inequality in society by providing equal opportunities for all children to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. 5. Improved Quality of Life: Education has a profound impact on an individual's quality of life. By ensuring that no child is left behind, society can improve overall well-being and quality of life for its citizens. 6. Global Competitiveness: In an increasingly globalized world, a well-educated workforce is crucial for a country's competitiveness. Meeting the challenge of leaving no child behind can help ensure that countries remain competitive in the global economy. 7. Long-Term Benefits: Investing in education and meeting the challenge of leaving no child behind can lead to long-term benefits for society, including higher employment rates, improved health outcomes, and reduced crime rates. Overall, meeting the challenge of leaving no child behind requires a concerted effort from governments, educators, parents, and communities. However, the benefits of achieving this goal are far-reaching and can lead to a more equitable, prosperous, and inclusive society. 44. Define and briefly discuss magnet schools, school vouchers, and charter schools. Answer: Magnet Schools: Magnet schools are public schools that offer specialized curricula or programs designed to attract students from different backgrounds. These schools often focus on specific themes such as performing arts, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), or language immersion. The goal of magnet schools is to promote diversity and provide innovative educational opportunities that may not be available in traditional public schools. School Vouchers: School vouchers are government-funded scholarships that allow students to attend private schools of their choice. The voucher covers all or part of the tuition costs, enabling students from low-income families or underperforming schools to access private education. Proponents argue that vouchers increase school choice and competition, leading to improved educational outcomes. Critics, however, argue that vouchers can divert funding from public schools and may not always result in better academic achievement. Charter Schools: Charter schools are publicly funded schools that operate independently of the traditional public school system. These schools are granted a charter by a state or local authority, which gives them greater autonomy in terms of curriculum, hiring, and budgeting. Charter schools are often created to provide innovative educational approaches and are held accountable for academic performance through performance-based measures outlined in their charter. Proponents argue that charter schools offer increased choice and flexibility, leading to improved outcomes, while critics raise concerns about accountability, equity, and potential for segregation. In summary, magnet schools offer specialized programs within the public school system, school vouchers provide funding for students to attend private schools, and charter schools operate independently with more flexibility than traditional public schools. Each of these approaches aims to improve educational outcomes and provide greater choice for students and families. 45. Compare the four explanations of the high incidence of crime in inner-city neighborhoods. Which explanation seems more valid to you? Answer: There are several explanations for the high incidence of crime in inner-city neighborhoods, including: 1. Social Disorganization Theory: This theory suggests that high crime rates in inner-city neighborhoods are due to the breakdown of social institutions such as family, school, and community organizations. Factors such as poverty, unemployment, and residential mobility contribute to this breakdown, leading to a lack of social control and an increase in criminal behavior. 2. Subcultural Theory: This theory posits that certain subcultures within inner-city neighborhoods have values and norms that are conducive to criminal behavior. These subcultures may develop as a response to economic and social marginalization, and they may glorify violence and criminal activity as a means of achieving status and respect. 3. Strain Theory: According to this theory, high crime rates in inner-city neighborhoods are a result of the strain experienced by individuals who are unable to achieve culturally defined goals such as wealth and success through legitimate means. This strain can lead to feelings of frustration and anger, which may manifest in criminal behavior. 4. Routine Activities Theory: This theory suggests that crime occurs when three elements converge: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian. In inner-city neighborhoods, factors such as poverty, high population density, and lack of effective law enforcement can create conditions that make criminal activity more likely. Of these explanations, the social disorganization theory seems more valid to me. This is because it takes into account the broader social and economic factors that contribute to crime in inner-city neighborhoods, such as poverty and lack of social cohesion. These factors can create an environment where crime is more likely to occur, regardless of individual characteristics or subcultural influences. Addressing these underlying issues through community development, economic empowerment, and social support programs may be more effective in reducing crime than focusing solely on individual behavior or subcultural norms. 46. The attitude “tough on crime” has been quite popular among politicians in many U.S. urban areas. Explain the limitations of this approach to eliminate crime. Answer: The "tough on crime" attitude, characterized by policies that emphasize harsh punishments and increased law enforcement presence, has been a popular approach among politicians in many U.S. urban areas. However, this approach has several limitations when it comes to eliminating crime: 1. Focus on Punishment over Prevention: The "tough on crime" approach tends to prioritize punishment over prevention and rehabilitation. This can lead to a cycle of crime and punishment, rather than addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. 2. Impact on Communities: Harsh sentencing policies, such as mandatory minimums and three-strikes laws, can disproportionately affect minority and low-income communities, leading to higher rates of incarceration and further marginalization. 3. Resource Allocation: Emphasizing law enforcement and incarceration can divert resources away from programs and services that address the underlying causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and mental health issues. 4. Effectiveness: There is limited evidence to suggest that harsh punishments and increased law enforcement alone are effective in reducing crime rates. Other factors, such as economic opportunities, social support systems, and access to education, also play significant roles. 5. Impact on Rehabilitation: The "tough on crime" approach can hinder efforts to rehabilitate offenders and reintegrate them into society. This can lead to higher rates of recidivism and perpetuate the cycle of crime. 6. Community-Police Relations: Heavy-handed law enforcement tactics can strain relations between communities and police, leading to distrust and hindering cooperation in solving and preventing crimes. 7. Focus on Non-Violent Offenses: The "tough on crime" approach often focuses on nonviolent offenses, such as drug possession, which can lead to overcrowding in prisons and detract from addressing more serious crimes. Overall, while the "tough on crime" approach may be popular among politicians and some members of the public, its limitations suggest that a more holistic and balanced approach is needed to effectively address crime in urban areas. This approach should focus on prevention, rehabilitation, and addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, rather than solely relying on punishment and law enforcement. Test Bank for Cities and Urban Life Plus John J. Macionis, Vincent N. Parrillo 9780205902583, 9780205206377,9780133869804
