Eviction and the Reproduction of Urban Poverty

Abstract

Combining statistical and ethnographic analyses, this article explores the prevalence and ramifications of eviction in the lives of the urban poor. A quantitative analysis of administrative and survey data finds that eviction is commonplace in inner-city black neighborhoods and that women from those neighborhoods are evicted at significantly higher rates than men. A qualitative analysis of ethnographic data based on fieldwork among evicted tenants and their landlords reveals multiple mechanisms propelling this discrepancy. In poor black neighborhoods, eviction is to women what incarceration is to men: a typical but severely consequential occurrence contributing to the reproduction of urban poverty. Ever since the earliest writings of the Chicago school, sociologists have pondered the movement of people across the metropolis. Invasion and succession, residential mobility and migration, instability and neighbor

Life events and moves under duress: disruption in the life course and mobility outcomes

“…In one study matching low income urban mothers who were evicted compared with those who were not evicted, mothers who were evicted were more likely to suffer depression, report worse health and more parenting stress (Desmond & Kimbro, 2015). As we know that housing instability is also likely to be accompanied by household instability, the effects are compounded (Desmond 2012).…”

Home moves and child wellbeing in the first five years of life in the United States

“…Further details about all the variables can be found in table 3. A wide range of research has found mother's race/ethnicity to be an influence on residential mobility (Anderson 2012, p. 84;Coulton, Theodos, & Turner, 2009;Desmond 2012;Long 1992b, p. 866). As discussed in the literature review, maternal health is closely linked with child outcomes (Cicchetti, Rogosch, & Toth, 1998;Lyons-Ruth, Brofman & Parsons, 1999) and mobility (Anderson et al, 2014), which motivates our inclusion of these variables.…”

Low-Income Housing Policy

“…Involuntary moves theoretically could have damaging collateral effects on individuals. These moves could induce acute stress on parents from events such as eviction, which could in turn affect parenting and children's outcomes (Desmond 2012). Residential moves might also force children to change schools, which could potentially lower achievement for moving 22 students as well as students at receiving schools (Hanushek et al 2004).…”

“…Most renters sign annual lease agreements, which stipulate monthly payments of a fixed amount. Failure to meet agreed upon rental payments may lead to eviction, which in turn can lead to a spell of homelessness that in turn carries significant social cost (Desmond 2012). The only way to substantially reduce spending on housing is to move.…”

“…For example social ties also likely play a role in potentially limiting the neighborhoods considered by voucher recipients (Desmond 2012). If people choose to locate near family and friends, and disadvantaged individuals tend to have disadvantaged social networks located in higher poverty neighborhoods, then this may restrict where voucher families look for housing.…”