The Changing American Neighborhood: The Meaning of Place in the Twenty-First Century

The Changing American Neighborhood emphasizes the importance of physical and social spaces in the health and well-being of twenty-first-century Americans and their communities. It explores the many dimensions of today's neighborhoods, the forms they take, the forces and factors influencing them, and the people and organizations trying to change them. It challenges conventional interpretations of neighborhoods and neighborhood change and adopts a broad, inter-disciplinary perspective that shows how neighborhoods are messy, complex systems, in which change is driven by constant feedback loops.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 396 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: Cornell University Press

The Changing American Neighborhood emphasizes the significant role of physical and social spaces in the health and well-being of twenty-first-century Americans and their communities. Taking a long historical perspective, this book explores the diverse dimensions of today's neighborhoods, the various forms they take, the forces and factors influencing them, and the individuals and organizations striving to shape them. Challenging conventional interpretations of neighborhoods and neighborhood change, Alan Mallach and Todd Swanstrom adopt a broad, interdisciplinary approach that reveals how neighborhoods are complex systems characterized by constant feedback loops linking social, economic, and physical conditions, each within distinct spatial and political contexts.

The Changing American Neighborhood aims to understand neighborhoods and neighborhood change not only for their intrinsic value but also for the valuable insights they provide in guiding efforts to sustain good neighborhoods and rebuild struggling ones. By examining the intricate relationships and dynamics within neighborhoods, this book offers valuable insights into the factors that contribute to their success and challenges, as well as strategies for promoting positive change and improving the quality of life for residents. Whether you are an urban planner, community activist, or simply interested in understanding the changing landscape of American society, The Changing American Neighborhood is a must-read for anyone seeking to better understand the role of neighborhoods in shaping our lives and communities.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501771132