This book, first published in 1987, addresses questions which have gained new importance in the light of the continuing erosion of the economic base and social stability of cities. The recurring riots in inner cities are but the outward manifestation of the profound collapse of the civic societies of our cities. This book addresses three main issues: What has gone wrong? What successes and failures have changes in policy had? And what should be the shape of future urban policy? This book will be interest to students of sociology, urban studies and human geography.