The inseparable relationship between underdevelopment and race is made clear in Squires and Kubrin’s argument. Both authors asses the nature of spatial and racial inequality and put forth possible solutions to this social problem. The history of uneven development has its roots in post-World War II years – where sprawl, concentrated poverty, and segregation were the descriptors of metropolitan development. Squires and Kubrin continue to make the connection between the sprawl, concentrated poverty, and racial segregation and the conceived “concentration effects” of privileges in different neighborhoods and racial groups. These “concentration effects shape opportunities and lifestyles throughout the life cycle and across generations” (349). It’s a kind of generational curse that keeps cycling on. According to the authors, the way out comes in the form of an uncommon allies, “coalitions that cut across interest groups and racial groups” (352).  Examples of such allies would be anti-poverty groups and affordable housing advocates to address the issue of the housing crisis. Another example was school choice and fair housing groups.

I agree with Squires and Kubrin’s “uncommon allies” suggestion. In the grander scheme of things, we have to acknowledge our global crisis. In a system of neoliberal capitalism, there’s so such thing as stopping to solve the root problem. It’s apparent in the way our government has even handled our 2008 financial crisis. We kept pushing back the budget problem because the focus was on maintaining the economy. The issue of uneven development finds its macro-roots to the rise of industry. Everything became a commodity, even basic needs. Therefore, in order to challenge the present system, there’s a strong argument against solving capitalism crisis with capitalist solutions – because it’s an impossible task. The very nature of neoliberalism is to expand profit making in a forceful way. Solutions shouldn’t carry that intent. “Uncommon allies” suggests a method of breaking down the profit-lust that our society seeps in. No longer are coalitions self-focused in that they’re only concerned with promoting their agenda. But in coming together as a collective group to champion the same goals, that will lead to smarter answers.