Comparing deconcentrating poverty policies in the United States and the Netherlands: A critical reply to Stal and Zuberi

This paper is a critical reply to an article by Stal and Zuberi, in which they compare two policies which deconcentrate poverty in the US and the Netherlands. By drawing lessons from a renewal program in the Netherlands, they suggest several ways to help break the ‘cycle of poverty’. We distinguish at least three fundamental flaws in their argument. After discussing these flaws, we discuss renewal in Dutch cities and issues related to displacement and social networks. We conclude with a reflection on the nature of comparative urban research.

Research highlights► A critical reply to an article, which compares policies that deconcentrate poverty. ► 3 fundamental flaws: the comparison, context differences, evidence for success. ► Also, article overlooks issues with urban renewal in the Dutch cities. ► We plea to reflect on use of concepts in international urban comparative research.