Black Cities/White Suburbs: Domestic Colonialism As an Interpretive Idea

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Abstract
This essay analyzes race relations in America from the perspective of changing demographic trends between cities and suburbs. Essentially, it treats cities and suburbs as territorially distinct units through which social processes between racial or ethnic groups are carried out. Central cities are fast becoming reservations for the poor and unwanted; suburbs are increasingly exclusive and enjoy a privileged status for those who can afford to reside in them. Using data on racial/ethnic concentration, welfare and unemployment, this essay applies the analogue of colonies and colonializing societies to examine the dynamics between black central cities and white suburbs. A final section of the essay discusses the political and legal mechanisms which work to make "domestic colonialism" possible.

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