The influence of neighborhood and, more generally, residence on different aspects of adult outcomes seems to be a subject of poignant interest. The article “An Atlas of Upward Mobility Shows Paths Out of Poverty” by Leonhardt et al. constitutes part of a sizeable body of literature dedicated to the subject. The text’s main idea is that the neighborhood where a child lives has a long-term impact by predetermining their social mobility (Leonhardt et al. par. 7). Thus, the text strives to outline the principal consequences and inequalities caused by a place of living as well as provide a potential solution.
The principal issue concerned in the article is the positive correlation between the future socioeconomic status and the neighborhood where one grows up. Leonhardt et al. accentuate the need to improve low-income communities to manage the problem of poverty. To substantiate the idea, the authors employ research and anecdotal evidence. They incorporate the results of several studies revolving around the impact of low-income neighborhoods. The views expressed in the text are widely supported by other researchers. It is shown that neighborhoods influence not only future income but also mental health, social security, and overall well-being (Vilhjalmsdottir et al. 99). Consequently, growing up in a more impoverished neighborhood entails worse adult outcomes.
Since the main argument that Leonhardt et al. develop seems to be sufficiently corroborated by extensive high-quality research and sound logic, it is challenging to disagree with the text. The negative impact of a low-income neighborhood is a well-known phenomenon, negating the existence of which, from my perspective, might be futile. The data supporting the claim that neighborhoods are not correlated or have a low impact on socioeconomic status and adult outcomes does not seemingly exist, but also the idea itself is somewhat morally reprehensible.
Works Cited
Leonhardt, David, et al. “An Atlas of Upward Mobility Shows Paths Out of Poverty.” The New York Times, 2003. Web.
Vilhjalmsdottir, Arndis, et al. ” Neighborhood Income Inequality, Social Capital and Emotional Distress Among Adolescents: A Population-Based Study.” Journal of Adolescence, vol. 51, 2016, pp. 92–102.