Unfulfilled aspirations of economic life

There is no viable economic base in most inner city communities and few determined efforts are being made to draw new capital into the community from the outside. Although many neighbourhoods are surrounded by business and industry, unemployment remains high, since these economic institutions do not function as a practical economic resource for the community. At the same time, inner-city dwellers are weak competitors for city-wide jobs. This lack of jobs for the community prohibits participation in the life-style that is generally understood and publicly promoted. Without the means of earning an income, residents (particularly the younger men) tend to be resigned to a life of welfare or of economic crime. A feeling of uselessness is the predominant theme of conversations with those who have searched for jobs.