FORMATION OF THE IMPACTED GHETTO: EVIDENCE FROM LARGE METROPOLITAN AREAS, 1970-1980

Abstract

A metropolitan measurement strategy is employed to consider whether any increased incidence of isolated deprivation is observable among the larger metropolitan areas of the United States. The measurement strategy is significantly different from those used in other empirical studies of contemporary inner-city poverty, and the strategy is described in detail. The results indicate a general increase in isolated deprivation and a considerable increase in a particular set of metropolitan areas. This trend is characterized as the formation of an impacted ghetto. This characterization is supported by a spatial analysis of isolated deprivation in the metropolitan areas containing the largest impacted ghettos. The relation between impacted-ghetto formation and metropolitan restructuring is hypothesized and further research outlined.