Communication in Community Decisions on the Problems of the Poor

Abstract

The poor are often unable to solve their collective problems because they make little input into the community decision-making process. This study examined communication within an upper income suburban community in regard to one important problem of the poor—low-cost housing. Organizations were found to communicate mostly with those who perceive the problem in the same way and believe the same alternative solutions to the problem are feasible. Much of this communication was dysfunctional, forestalling a community decision and leading to a “non-decision.” Organizations were also found to better understand middle class groups opposed to low-cost housing than the poor who would benefit from it. As a result the opposition was allowed more influence than the poor. The news media were found to contribute little to community understanding of social problems.