Nine essays, originally presented at an interdisciplinary conference sponsored by the University of Chicago, address problems of the changing inner cities of older, industrial metropolitan areas. An introduction reviews important theories of urban development, and the impact of changing technology and racial composition. Part one includes an essay…

Investigates the concepts and evidence needed to understand the extent of racial segregation in the Federal public housing program operating in metropolitan areas throughout the United States. Attempts to explain the level and variation of public housing segregation by examining legislative, programatic, and regional factors. Suggests directions…

Relates the story and subsequent trial of Ossian Sweet and his efforts to defend his home and family against racially motivated violence in Detroit (Michigan) during the 1920s. Contends that the Sweet case was an early victory against housing segregation and foreshadowed the Civil Rights movement. (CFR)

Measures black segregation at four geographic levels: state, county, city, and neighborhood, from 1900 to 1990. Cross-references data from the decennial U.S. census with dissimilarity and isolation indices. Concludes that segregation patterns have consistently evolved to minimize white contact with blacks. (MJP)

Asserts that school districts' efforts to integrate schools have failed to ameliorate the racial isolation of black students. Finds that schools remain segregated primarily because of continued residential segregation and that school integration efforts have had little long-term effect on residential segregation. (CFR)