The study of neighborhood effects on various social phenomena has sparked tremendous interest in the social sciences. Much of this research is scattered in different places; however, and there is a lack of conceptual synthesis. In this paper we sought to undertake a state-of-the-art review of the burgeoning empirical research, but within a theoretical framework that attempts to bring some unity to the field.

The paper describes new theoretical approaches and innovative methodologies that researchers have brought to the study of neighborhood effects.

I have been involved for over 20 years in the study of urban communities, most recently in Chicago.

I believe the significance of the paper is its rigorous review of recent research on neighborhoods—why do they matter, for what, and how much?