Gated Communities: Security Or Social Isolation?

Are gated communities popular because they provide security or because gates increase the resale values of home? Critics say gated communities promote "social isolation" and "civic fragmentation."

1 minute read

August 20, 2001, 5:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech

"Home to an estimated 8 million Americans - the majority in Florida, Texas and California - gated communities are spreading. But critics say they promote social isolation and civic fragmentation." A 1997 book, "Fortress America: Gated Communities in the United States" says "today's fenced communities enflame class distinctions and divide haves from have-nots." Gated communities are criticized for "shrinking the public sphere."

Thanks to David A. Hey, Jr.

FULL STORY: Little Fiefdoms

Sunday, August 19, 2001 in The Tampa Tribune

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