5402 Social Welfare Problem Identification

Housing inequality in the United States Name Institution Course Code and Title Instructor Date Housing inequality in the United States Introduction Social issues are challenges that affect a considerable number of persons in a society. Social issues manifest at various levels from local communities to national and global scales. In this paper, we shall look at housing inequality in the United States, a social issue experienced at both the federal and state levels. The social issue is significant to the country since it bears the aspects of disparities in accessing safe, affordable, and adequate housing (Congressional Research Service, 2023). Also, we shall analyze the root causes and discriminatory practices that affect mobility due to the issue. Additionally, the paper provides the negative effects on individuals, groups, and communities and what is like for families that do not experience housing issues. Causes of Housing Inequality Housing inequalities have been influenced by various reasons, the cost of housing keeps rising making low-income families unable to afford it. It explains the high number of homeless persons, especially in urban areas. The African American and minority groups are the most affected which started in the mid-20th century with redlining. During the period discriminatory lending practices that systematically denied loans or insurance to certain neighborhoods became common. Also, historically, segregation has played a significant role in the problem as minority populations from certain neighborhoods get limited access to resources and opportunities (Christensen et al., 2022). Housing discrimination is a root cause as sales and markets are based on race and ethnicity with African Americans and Native Americans having limited housing options. Discrimination is manifested through higher rent rates, biased screening processes, or the inability to sell or buy properties in some neighborhoods. Further, the government has implemented housing policies for zoning, subsidies, and affordable housing initiatives that impact the availability and affordability of housing. Consequently, minorities experience challenges in accessing affordable housing as low and moderate-income earners do not get suitable housing in desirable places. The disparities in wealth education and employment opportunities have been encouraged due to systemic racism. Lack of access to quality education leads to the minority securing low-paying jobs thus the inability to afford housing. Besides, the country has zoning and land use policies that inhibit the construction of affordable housing in segregated areas (Rodríguez-Pose & Storper, 2020). For instance, in 1830, President Andrew Jackson signed an act that authorized the forceful relocation of Native Americans in the southeast by the federal government intending to make room for white settlement. In addition, the General Allotment Act enforced in 1887 forcibly converted community tribal-held lands to owned lots that were redistributed to white Americans. The issue is referred to as gentrification which led to displacement of long-term residents while the rich and businesses invested in them reshaping the neighborhood, thus causing an increase in property values. Discrimination Practices and Mobility The discriminatory practices relating to housing significantly impact one's mobility and social experiences in the United States. The practices bear historical roots in various forms leading to housing inequalities and shaping the social fabric of communities. Some of the practices are; 1 Redlining is a systematic denial of loans and insurance based on an individual's race and ethnic group (Congressional Research Service, 2023). It impacts mobility through creating segregated communities making individuals and families remain confined to certain areas with limited resources and opportunities. 2 Racial and ethnic discrimination in the housing...