Inside Urban Politics: Voices from America's Cities and Suburbs

Simpson's book came out in 2004. It takes a grass roots approach to social analysis, with an emphasis on a diverse set of contributors. Hence we see an often first person viewpoint of important urban issues in the United States. These include the existence of gated communities, not just for the wealthy but also for the middle class. Are these imbued with a racial exclusivity? The question has certainly been asked before. But it hasn't gone away. Other papers deal with the struggle to get into power. Perhaps by groups traditionally not, how shall we put it?, well represented in town councils. In light of the recent impeachment of the Illinois governor, the papers on graft do have a topical resonance. When the contributors talk about urban poverty and the struggle for good jobs, remember that this was during an expansion. The remarks take on more poignancy now, as we appear deep in a protracted recession.