study of community-based organizations and their ability to remedy political alienation and social isolation

Many inner-city neighborhoods face a vast array of social and economic problems. These problems are partly due to crime and the lack of employment, housing & communication with local government. Likewise, participation in the political system is low within these neighborhoods as well. As a result, feelings of political alienation & social isolation may be found. This body of work tests for the presence of political alienation & social isolation within community-based organizations (CBOs) of West Palm Beach, FL. By looking at the presence and formation of CBOs, this work will measure if CBOs can remedy feelings of alienation & isolation, increase political participation & impact government policy-making.