Suchergebnisse

Uses a theoretical framework of social action as an embodied process to examine how changes in migration transformed the social & political structure of Kennett Square PA, the home of the nation's largest commercial mushroom industry. Information was obtained from participant-observations carried out between 1995-2002 at a local social service provider for Mexican migrants; 60 in-depth interviews with Mexican settlers & English-speaking residents; & three trips to the immigrant's home city in Mexico where 170 household surveys focused on migration & work histories were conducted. The primarily English-speaking residents of Kennett Square considered themselves socially progressive until Mexican families began putting down roots & purchasing homes. Protests against Mexican settlement caused a division within the Anglo community that ultimately led to the formation of a social movement called Bridging the Community. It is contended that the formation of the Bridging movement illustrates how the embodied experience of fear incites social action & reaffirms local identity. The impact of the movement on both Mexican settlers & long-term residents is discussed. Figures, References. J. Lindroth

Social work scholarship on neoliberalism—the dominant ideology and policies shaping access to housing, jobs, healthcare, and education—is in its infancy. This study examines the ground-level impact of the subprime mortgage crisis that triggered the Great Recession in 2008, examining how homeowners interpreted the changes to their neighborhood as they witnessed a remarkably high rate of foreclosures during the economic collapse of 2008-2010. Residents of a suburban community were unaware of the lending and banking practices that transformed their neighborhoods, though these policies arguably depreciated house values and a sense of well-being. Not knowing the culpability of predatory lenders in the crisis, some residents turned to an anti-immigrant social movement to preserve their community.