Week 7 Assignment Instructions
In this module we have examined how spatial inequality and poverty concentration are core features of the American context. We also learned that these income and wealth disparities across space are strongly coupled with racial segregation in the United States. The documentary, RACE: The Power of an Illusion Episode 3 (https://vimeo.com/133506632) provides a historical overview of the social construction of race in the United States and how various public policy, institutional and private practices in housing gave meaning to racial categories and reinforced racial and class inequality. You should watch the video before completing this assignment.
There are two parts to this assignment. All text should be double-spaced.
I live in Orange County, California, USA！
I live in Orange County, California, USA！
Part 1: Your Neighborhood in Context
I want you to think about your neighborhood or where you grew up. Part 1 requires you to produce a short write-up where you describe your primary childhood neighborhood qualitatively and quantitatively. Make sure to discuss how your neighborhood characteristics compare to state averages (median and family income, poverty, racial/ethnic composition). If you did not grow up in the United States, use your current zip code.
Qualitative Description [1-1.5 pages]
What are the some notable features of your primary childhood neighborhood?
What was it like growing up there?
What did you enjoy or enjoy about your community?
Does it have any reputation, good or bad?
From your perspective, how do outsiders view your neighborhood?
Are there misconceptions about the community where you grew up
Quantitative Description: [1/2 a page]
Obtain quantitative data on your neighborhood. You may feel free to use your own data sources. Otherwise, click on link next to each bullet point to obtain data.
What is the poverty rate of your neighborhood? https://www.opportunityatlas.org/
What is the poverty rate of the state? https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/2018-poverty-rate.html
How does the poverty level in your neighborhood compare to the poverty level in the state? Is it lower or higher?
What is the median household income for the neighborhood in recent years? https://www.opportunityatlas.org/
What is the median household income for the state https://statisticalatlas.com/United-States/Overview
How does the median income for state compare with your neighborhood?
What is the racial/ethnic composition of your neighborhood? (find data source online)
Use a table like this to present your data:
Neighborhood:
State:
Date Report
Poverty Rate of Neighborhood
$
Poverty Rate of State
$
Median household income of neighborhood
$
Median household income of state
$
Ethnicity/Race
Ethnic Composition %
%
%
%
%
%
Part II: Link History to Your Primary Childhood Neighborhood
We all inherit structural inequality. In a 2-page double-spaced essay, discuss the ways you believe your neighborhood reflects the legacy of racial segregation in the United States and cumulative disadvantage or advantage.
How does this history of place follow you today?
Does the meaning attached to your neighborhood/community influence how you are perceived in terms of race or class?
In what ways does your neighborhood reinforce racial and class inequality or challenge these entrenched patterns?
Does your neighborhood influence your opportunities or wellbeing? If so, how?
