Inequality, discrimination, and service delivery: A recapitulation for the public administrator Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • The equitable provision of urban public services has begun to receive increased attention from research-ers, administrators, and the courts. Recent research has questioned the view that minority and low-income groups are systematically deprived in the distribution of public services, e.g. police and fire services, libraries, street quality and maintenance, and parks and recreational facilities. This paper reviews empirical studies in urban service distribution and judicial responses to municipal service claims. The research reveals that discimination in service delivery does exist. However, it is difficult to determine empirically in larger cities if a consistent pattern of discrimination exists and whether or not it bears a significant relationship to race or class. Discrimination and inequality on the basis of race has been subject to meticulous judicial prowess benefitting at one time or another the citizen and the municipality. The courts are requiring overwhelming statistical documentation to substantiate racial discrimination in the provision of urban public services. 1979, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

published proceedings

  • International Journal of Public Administration

author list (cited authors)

  • Rice, M. F.

citation count

  • 2

complete list of authors

  • Rice, Mitchell F

publication date

  • January 1979