Date of Defense

5-28-2025

Date of Graduation

6-2025

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

Ronald Kramer

Second Advisor

Felix Brooks

Abstract

The issues of poverty and crime in Flint, Michigan, are the result of deep systemic inequalities. The city of Flint used to be known for its thriving auto industry and many job opportunities; however, the city is now a compelling representation of structural injustice and institutional neglect. The works of prominent researchers such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Kenneth B. Clark, and Elliott Currie help lay the groundwork for understanding how racism, economic exclusion, and under-resourced institutions have made it extremely difficult for people to escape from cycles of poverty and conditions that often lead to crime. Several aspects of the history of Flint, Michigan, such as the rise and fall of GM, have contributed to widespread job loss, population decline, and disinvestment. With the housing segregation that was going on at the time, this change hit the Black community especially hard and contributed to the barriers that still impact residents today. Flint currently faces several struggles, such as the Flint water crisis, healthcare disparities, a declining tax base, high water bills, and high rates of poverty. All of these issues, along with Flint’s history of poor leadership, neglect, and environmental injustice, have severely impacted Flint’s low-income and minority residents. In response, the city has implemented community-based programs in an effort to make a difference. While these programs are hopeful, more research is needed to understand whether they will lead to lasting change. Future research should also look at programs that have been scientifically proven to work in other cities with similar conditions and see if these might be applied to Flint. Flint’s situation is a part of a larger pattern of racial and economic inequality across the country. In order to begin solving these problems, it is necessary to understand the history behind them.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Restricted

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