Summary of the book The Unheavenly City Revisited (Edward C. Banfield)
This book, written by political scientist and sociologist Edward C. Banfield, is a classic work that analyzes urban problems in the United States, particularly in cities, and offers a critical perspective on public policies and the underlying causes of poverty, inequality, and urban decay. Originally published in 1970 and later revised, the book challenges many conventional assumptions about urban development and social planning.
Key Aspects of the Book
- Theory of Social Class and Behavior
- Banfield introduces the concept of «social class» based on people’s time orientation, that is, how individuals prioritize the present over the future.
- He identifies four classes: upper, middle, working, and lower, with the latter being the most focused on the present and, according to Banfield, the most prone to generating social problems such as chronic poverty and crime.
- Critique of Urban Policies
- The author argues that many public policies aimed at solving urban problems, such as public housing and welfare programs, often worsen the situation by discouraging individual responsibility and perpetuating dependency.
- Banfield contends that these policies are based on flawed assumptions about the causes of poverty and inequality, ignoring cultural and behavioral factors.
- Urban Decay and Segregation
- He examines how the migration of the middle and upper classes to the suburbs has left central cities in a state of decline, with a concentration of poverty and social problems.
- Banfield criticizes racial and economic segregation but also questions proposed solutions, such as forced integration, arguing that they do not address the root causes of the problem.
- Proposals and Solutions
- Banfield advocates for policies that promote individual responsibility and social mobility, rather than relying on welfare programs.
- He suggests that cities should focus on improving the efficiency of public services and creating an environment that attracts the middle and upper classes back to urban centers.
- Controversies and Criticisms
- The book has been heavily criticized for its focus on individual behavior as the primary cause of urban problems, which some interpret as a simplistic or even victim-blaming view of poor communities.
- However, Banfield defends his stance, arguing that ignoring these behavioral factors leads to ineffective policies.
Conclusion
The Unheavenly City Revisited is a provocative work that challenges conventional narratives about urban problems and public policies. Although controversial, Banfield’s analysis offers a unique and critical perspective on the causes of urban decay and potential solutions, emphasizing the importance of considering both structural and behavioral factors.
The book is essential reading for those seeking to understand the complexities of urban planning and the challenges of modern cities.
