The Suburban Racial Dilemma Summary

The particular book that I selected for my literature review is “The Suburban Racial Dilemma,” which covers racial disparities within housing communities thoroughly the U.S., but particularly within Cleveland, Ohio. Keating directly addresses components separating both urban and suburban living, which essentially promotes racial tension. The book also presents elements of activism pertaining to fair housing policy. Based on the content of this course, I believed that this topic properly tied into its focal points, such as race and culture. Keating actively displays the racial disparities within the housing sector, which dates back to the early 50’s. The book also dives into efforts of integration in the suburbs of metropolitan areas. Despite

countless efforts to alleviate racial tensions, Cleveland suburbs remain the most racially segregated metropolitan areas within the United States.

The aim of this paper is to thoroughly identify all factors contributing to such a division. Keating which is described as an urbanologist, challenges the perpetual cycle of residential segregation.

Donald L. Demarco published a piece in response to this book, providing his perspective on such a controversial issue. Titled as “pro-integrative housing,” Demarco describes the disparity as a world wide pattern. “All across America, racial segregation in housing is the rule, interracial living is the exception. Moreover, mixed-race housing is often transitory where it is found. Community development by local government and nonprofits is organized largely on territorial bases reflecting separate and unequal residential patterns. When operating on a race-neutral basis, segregation is maintained and extended with inner-ring suburbs joining the predominantly black cities. These are then surrounded by the further-out white suburbs, (DeMarco, 1994). DeMarco dissects the perpetual cycle at a federal and local

level, which basically boils down to a socio-economic hierarchy. He clearly takes the stance of pro-integration when pertaining housing and challenges its current prevalence. The author promotes race neutrality and theorizes on the benefits of multicultural communities. “The costs and benefits of both segregation and integration are considered mostly from local political perspectives rather than economically. In addition to citing funding, significant role players and statistics on racial proportions and housing prices, Keating describes a variety of pro-integrative programs. These include pro-integrative housing location services, low interest-rate loans for persons moving into areas where their races are underrepresented (compared to their metropolitan proportion), equity assurance, and a variety of marketing, advertising and public relations initiatives designed to “expand homeseekers’ options” beyond racially traditional areas,” (DeMarco, 1994). DeMarco emphasizes the costs and benefits of integration, but criticizes Keatings small mention of financial deficits caused by segregation.
Another peer reviewed article that notates the community efforts to stabilize residential segregation is published by Nico Calavita.

He accredits the organizational detail and believes that it may be of great use to individuals committed to this particular field. “The book offers a richly detailed narrative of successful grassroots community organizing and development in a poor inner city neighborhood that most people had written off. The careful reader can learn how community organizing can and should be used to shape inner city community development agendas. These strengths make this book a fine addition to courses in community development and neighborhood planning,” (Calavita, 1996). Calavita contests that with saying Keating obtained minimal reference to actual community development. He goes as far as stating educators would have to branch out to other resources due to limitations within the book. There are also claims of Keating contributing authors to have embellished a bit too much in regards to progressive models based on inner city neighborhoods. The author also warns organizers of certain roadblocks when dealing with affirmative action housing

policies.
My third source attacks the lack of resources, financial constraints, and the overall climate of communities. An in depth look is taken at multiethnic neighborhoods, as well as grounds for equality. This source is of great benefit due to the nature of its case study. “Finally, we compare two very different multiethnic neighborhoods--one racially and socioeconomically unequal but relatively socioeconomically advantaged, and the other uniformly socioeconomically disadvantaged but relatively racially and socioeconomically equal. This comparison provides perspective on an ongoing scholarly debate regarding the effects of diversity in differing neighborhood contexts,” (Walton, 2016).
According to Keating, “through social contact and participation in community life and organizations, racial stereotypes can be dispelled and race relations can be improved,” (Keating, 1994). I found this particular book to be of great substance due to the nature of this topic. It not only correlates to the overall course content, but it also sets the tempo to discuss racial disparities within residential housing, quality education and socio-economic leverage.