Wealth Flight

The aim of the research in Wealth Flight is to provide insight into the social association and economic variables that relate to the disparity affecting low-income communities. These communities rarely begin as a low-income environment, but when they are described as such, they are often considered small communities. This book focuses on working-class communities that at one time were thriving towns, but due to socioeconomic change, are presently considered low-income or disadvantaged. The intent is to bring attention to the factors that have created this shift, and how these change points can be remedied to help these towns, cities, and their educational systems. Author Dr. Monica D. Shepherd does not simply focus on the problem and in turn report on poverty, but rather advocates for proposed changes that can benefit residents. The goal is to explain the concerns and suggest solutions. Although not all applications are feasible, a significant number of the findings are achievable. Dr. Shepherd explains how the housing market is a predictor for community change. "What inspired me most was that past literature on this topic addressed components solely associated with economic, psychological, or racial discrimination as a catalyst for a community downturn. Although these components are independently important, this book intentionally combined the changes that can serve as a reasonable intersecting variable for reasons why stewards of place would benefit low-income communities." (About the Author) An Illinois native, University Professor Monica D. Shepherd, Ph.D., is a mix methods research methodologist and historian. Dr. Shepherd specializes in urban history with a focus on economics, systems theory, public and educational policy. Dr. Shepherd's major research also includes data analysis, econometrics models, system dynamics, prediction synthesis, case studies, community demographics trends, and investigating pathologies.