Urbanities,
Vol. 3
·
No 2
·
November 2013
© 2013
Urbanities
154
to prepare the reader for the in-depth
exploration of the history and debate
related to halfway houses in later chapters.
A simple definition of a halfway house is
outlined in the introduction: “[a] residence
for individuals after release from
institutionalization (as for mental disorder,
drug addiction, or criminal activity) that is
designed to facilitate their readjustment to
private life”. However, the authors
acknowledge that other variants of halfway
houses exist, including those where
residents voluntarily commit themselves
for rehabilitative purposes without prior
institutionalization. Common patterns of
admission to halfway houses are outlined,
highlighting the historical and political
context of each option. Great depth is
provided which prevents the reader from
making blanket assumptions regarding
these institutions.
In the chapters that follow, the
authors
unfurl
theory,
history,
ethnography, and case studies to broaden
the reader’s understanding of the
complexities of the context in which
halfway houses exist and related
controversies. Chapter 1 uses major
perspectives in sociology: functionalism,
conflict, and symbolic interactionism, to
explain why the reader should care about
these institutions. Chapter 2 uses historical
examination of the development of
halfway houses, from the introduction of
work houses for the able-bodied poor in
17
th
Century
England
through
deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill in
1980s America, to help the reader better
understand why halfway houses exist in
their various current forms.
Chapter 3 uses personal vignettes
from a larger case study of a fictional
“Salvation City” to expand on the issues
and concerns of those involved with
halfway houses. Salvation City has
experienced the same trajectory as other
major urban areas in the United States that
were
once
sources
of
abundant
employment in manufacturing, and related
fields, but through the growth of the global
economy, has seen great decline. Excerpts
from interviews with recovering addicts
and community leaders are intertwined
with community and personal history. The
chapter concludes with a discussion of
common themes related to addiction,
recovery and the utility of halfway houses.
Chapters 4 and 5 outline the debate
as to whether halfway houses are needed,
or not. Community level concerns,
including personal safety for residents
around halfway houses and impact on
nearby real estate, are offered in opposition
to the existence of halfway houses, along
with unfortunately high recidivism rates,
and financial costs. Concern for the
morality, and effectiveness of a criminal
response to behaviors that would otherwise
see those served by halfway houses is the
strongest argument for preserving these
institutions, along with fiscal and practical
concerns
for
institutionalization.
Suggestions for improvement to services
provided are highlighted.
Salvation City: Halfway House
Stories does not purport to convince the
reader that these institutions are inherently
good, nor evil. The authors do an excellent
job of providing historical and political
context that can be analyzed through a
theoretical base. This text is most
appropriate for use in anthropology and
sociology courses that center on social
problems, or the urban experience. It
