A firsthand look at how policies and legal doctrines affect families living in low-income urban neighborhoods.

Winner of the Anna Julia Cooper & CLR James Award by the National Council for Black Studies

In Disparities in Urban Health, Edward V. Wallace examines the impacts of political and structural determinants of health on people living in urban settings. This timely book intertwines the personal stories of real families with a comprehensive analysis of the policies and legal doctrines that shape their lives.

Through interviews and an investigation of various policies, Wallace provides a firsthand look at the challenges faced by these families and their experiences with health disparities. Their voices bridge the gap between theory and reality while offering compelling and vital perspectives on the complex issues that affect their health. Wallace highlights key policies that impact low-income communities, including the "no duty to treat" policy, the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, comprehensive smoke-free laws, equitable development policies, and the Implied Warranty of Habitability law. These policies, among others, are examined through the lens of equity and social justice. The intimate portraits of real people and their struggles shed light on the challenges faced by many low-income families and offer a pathway toward addressing health disparities in our society.