Housing

Catalog description

Over the last three decades, sociologists have convincingly identified housing as the “structural linchpin” of social inequalities. By that they mean that inequalities in housing is the center of all other forms of inequalities. In this course, we aim to investigate how housing became so central to social inequalities. We do so by, first, defining housing as both a social good and a commodity. Second, we review five or so decades of housing policy before turning our attention to contemporary debates in housing policy. Third, we look into what social scientists refer to as neighborhood effects, the varied ways growing up in particular neighborhoods impact one’s social behavior and life outcomes. In this unit, we will work in groups to investigate the impact of neighborhoods of education, economics, health, crime and punishment, and political behavior. Finally, we marshal all we have learned to think about housing in Charlotte. Schedules permitting, we will invite to class speakers from various Charlotte institutions who are engaged in housing policy. We will also attend events in the city that deal with housing. Finally, students will be assigned to investigate the housing in various Charlotte neighborhoods. Satisfies Africana Studies major requirement (Social Thought and Institution catagory). Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought requirement. Satisfies the Justice, Equality and Community requirement.