ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses to what extent self-selection determines tenancy and which characteristics are most determining of the self-selection. It examines the interplay and outcomes, particularly for fatherless families compared to complete families. The chapter discusses one housing option in particular detail: the utilization of low-income public housing. Female-headed families are handicapped in many ways in trying to find housing in the private market. The housing authorities must also be concerned about keeping their vacancy rates low. During the relocation period, observations of the intake procedure at the Housing Authority provide information about the other side of the interactional system. Support for the idea of public housing is based upon the recognition that some people cannot find adequate housing on the private market as presently constituted. A predominantly Negro project was more unattractive to them than was a predominantly white project for Negroes and the housing available to whites was less restricted than that for Negroes.
