Flight Patterns: The Politics of Residential Segregation in the United States

New York University, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract SES 0000257 PI: Edwin Amenta, Chris Bonastia This project analyzes archival and other historical records to explore differences in U.S. and British policies regarding racial segregation of residence. The goal is to understand why British policies officially promoted integration before U.S. policies did. Answers will be sought in analyses of political institutions and cultural understandings. It focuses on an "institutional home" theme, that the location of relevant institutions in different governmental and non-government agencies influences their policies and how those policies get implemented. Basically, promoting residential integration did not find a single government institution to promote it, while in Britain an institutional support was found. The work is significant for adding to understanding of how cultural climates and larger institutional structures affect the policies and operation of agencies.