Failures of Integration (04) by Cashin, Sheryll [Paperback (2005)]

by Joan E. Cashin

Failures of Integration (04) by Cashin, Sheryll [Paperback (2005)]

Genres: Nonfiction, Race, Education, American History, History, Politics, Sociology

Paperback

First published March 24, 2004

Reviews

[Scott F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cashin's scattershot writing style annoyed me a bit while reading this; she jumps around a whole lot, with laundry lists of neighborhoods, suburbs and cities that support her arguments. Nevertheless, this is an excellent introduction to race and class segregation in America and its ill effects on all of us. Too often, these problems are considered solved and dismissed, and this book certainly opened my eyes to how profoundly untrue that is.

While nationwide in its scope, The Failures of Integration is especially interesting if you live near Washington, D.C. due to a lot of examples from the region.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book. Cashin writes a convincing argument for the need for residential integration as a strategy to reduce inequalities across race and class. She uses many examples from Washington, D.C. which I found especially salient. It becomes clear that barriers to integration have not been resolved after civil rights legislation in the 60s.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the true cost of living secregated lives was counted, I am still not sure that it would motivate a change in behavior. A fascinating look at the social and financial costs of prejudice (race AND class). If a spiritual component could be added, it could be explosive . . . but perhaps not enough to motivate a change in behavior.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author outlines the causes of de facto segregation in the US today as well as its costs to both minorities and the majority whites, which are surprising. She proposes three steps to help overcome it and benefit individuals in the lower and middle socioeconomic classes (that's you and me, baby) as well as the country as a whole.

[Devin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is really insightful on how ignorant Americans generally are concerning black rights and integration; but I really found it boring and didn't realy enjoy it too much.

[Ayelet Waldman]

After reading this book I felt like I had to sell my house and move to a more integrated neighborhood. Thank God my kids go to an integrated school. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

[Paul Froehlich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our society is rigidly segregated by race and class, Cashin writes, but that is not inevitable. She suggests public policies that would promote integration. It starts with a vision of a socioeconomically integrated society, with affordable housing well dispersed throughout all communities and with no high-poverty schools. Alas, such a vision is not widely shared. People would rather pay lip-service to "equal opportunity" than to do what is necessary to make it real.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't let the 3 stars put you off of this book. The book is weak on the way the arguments are delivered, but her diagnosis of the problem: separatism founded on race and class, the zero-sum game that makes some places "winners" and others "losers" is right on.

[barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fascinating look at race, class, neighborhoods and the effect of prejudicial attitudes (some insidiously subconscious) on the makeup of our cities.

[Heidi Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

My all time favorite book in the field of sociology. Well written without bias but also without apology.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is interesting and raises important questions, but I frequently disagreed with the author.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever wanted to have a really frank conversation with a well-educated person about race? Here's your opportunity. Read it.

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time I've completely read a book on this subject. I never thought about race and class dynamics the way she states in this book. My takeaway is to read her latest book, Place not Race.

[Elizabeth]

As recommended by Ed from the U of C alumni bookclub.