Rooms for the Misbegotten: Social Design and Social Deviance

Authors

Bruce A. Arrigo, Rowan College, New Jersey

Abstract

Housing strategies designed to create a sense of community for our nation's at-risk and poverty-stricken citizens continue to be a source of debate. One major issue is the degree to which criminal behavior exists within these environments. In this article, the results from a seven year study of one single room occupancy (SRO) facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are described. Analysis of two models used for intervening with the vulnerable tenant population of the SRO suggest that a "strengthfocused" strategy rather than a "need- focused" approach may be more effective in reducing crime and may contribute to the establishment of a viable resident community.

Recommended Citation

Arrigo, Bruce A. (1994) "Rooms for the Misbegotten: Social Design and Social Deviance," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 21: Iss. 4, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.2192
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol21/iss4/7