Sidewalk

by Mitchell Duneier

Book Overview

An exceptional ethnography marked by clarity and candor, Sidewalk takes us into the socio-cultural environment of those who, though often seen as threatening or unseemly, work day after day on "the blocks" of one of New York's most diverse neighborhoods. Sociologist Duneier, author of Slim's Table, offers an accessible and compelling group portrait of several poor black men who make their livelihoods on the sidewalks of Greenwich...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374527253
• ISBN13: 9780374527259
• Release Date: December 2000
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Educational look at homelessness

This is very readable and a great look into an aspect of life many of us may not be aware of - homelessness and economic struggles in NYC. Great sociological study.

Inside information about street vendors - a page turner

This is an excellent book -- a page turner. Mitch Duneier allows us a look at the corporate structure of the street vending business through his living and working among the street vendors as well as taped coversations and quotes from the various vendors. We are allowed to meet the vendors and peek into some of the reasons they have become vendors. I have always seen street vendors -- but was unaware of the complexities of the business. The research for this book was thorough and complete. Mitch is an excellent researcher and writer. Ovie Carter brings us superior photos allowing us to see the vendors we have met through Mitch's words. Having read "Slim's Table," Mitch Duneier and Ovie Carter's first venture, I can say that "Sidewalk" is equal in every way.I look forward to a third book collaborating the talents of Mitch Duneier and Ovie Carter.

READ THIS!

This book truly moved me! It has thoroughly made an impact since being faced with recent street problems here in Seattle. This book is a Sociological gem written by an articulate compassionate author. Sidewalk is a must read by ALL!

Inside Look at Outsiders

I've rarely read a "participant-observer's" book in which the observer, in this case an already-recognized scholar/sociologist is so manifestly a true participant, and in which the subjects being observed are so alive and active contributors to the book. Moreover, Duneier is a sociologist who can write, and the photographic illustrations not only works of art in themselves but truly illustrative of the community the author describes so comprehensively and positively. (It rings absolutely true to my sense of the street and its people in a neighborhood where I lived for 15 years, including the period covered).Book, I'm sure, will be controversial, but thew depth of concern, strength of research, and humanity make SIDEWALK an exceptional work even if one disagrees with its conclusions (although after having read it dispassionately, I can't imagine disagreeing in any significant way). NY Times called it "magnificent" and I concur.

A "must read"ÿ

his is the best and most readable work of sociology I have ever encountered, a completely unromantic look at poverty. Most impressive to me as an attorney is the way that the author, while arguing that these men are trying to live with standards of moral worth, is willing to look carefully at the evidence which would contradict his claims. Most authors only present the evidence which supports their view. Duneier spends whole chapters looking at behaviors such as urinating in public, sleeping on the sidewalk, talking to passing pedestrians, and selling stolen goods. These chapters make for fascinating reading.It is also great that this author gives so much space to the voices of residents of Greenwich Village. It is astounding to hear the people in positions of power who work for the business improvement disticts, and what they --especially the woman who runs the Village Alliance -- have to say about the homeless. I was shocked to hear her say that where she thinks there should be a change in the law is that the first amendment should not protext street people. Wow! These are the kinds of things that never get said publicly but which secretly motivate efforts to get marginal people off the streets.The book ends with a brilliant afterward by Hakim Hasan, one of the vendors. This alone is worth the price of of an otherwise extraordinary book.

A must read! Thumbs UP.

Sidewalk is a brutal look into the human condition that many would wish never existed. It's about The lives and times of a few homeless individuals, who are trying to make an honest living by recycling discarded books and magazines. The book is mostly centered on the social effect these Greenwich Village occupants have on the sidewalk life scene. I found their life stories to be significantly tragic and at times very funny. The stories within this book reach out to the reader for sympathy, but at the same time gives the reader a wholehearted lift. Sidewalk is a must read and should not be overlooked.