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Abstract

This paper focuses on the question of whether it is worse to be poor in a poor area
or in an area which is more socially mixed; in short, does living in a deprived area compound the
disadvantage experienced by its residents, and do area effects contribute to social exclusion? The
idea of social areas having direct or mediated effects on the lives of their residents continues to
interest and challenge academic and policy debates on the effect of concentrated poverty and on
the creation of more mixed and, thereby, more sustainable neighbourhood forms. However, area
effects remain contentious and British research evidence is scant. Following a review of the
theoretical and empirical understandings of the relationship between households and neighbourhoods,
the paper presents survey data from a comparative study of deprived and socially mixed
neighbourhoods in Glasgow and Edinburgh. These data provide evidence that supports the area
effects thesis, in particular in relation to area reputation and employment. The paper concludes
that, with certain caveats, living in areas of geographically concentrated poverty creates additional
problems for residents.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Atkinson, RG and Kintrea, K
Keywords:	Area effects, neighborhoods, urban policy
Journal or Publication Title:	Urban Studies
ISSN:	0042-0980
DOI / ID Number:	10.1080/00420980120087162
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