Between 1934 and 1962, the U.S. government allocated a staggering $120 billion towards the construction of new housing, a significant portion of which—98 percent—was directed exclusively to white families. This financial support played a crucial role in shaping the residential landscape of the nation during that period, reinforcing racial inequalities in access to housing. The ramifications of such policies are still evident today, as they contributed to systemic disparities in wealth and home ownership.
In her book "All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation," author Rebecca Traister highlights these historical injustices. By focusing on the unique experiences of unmarried women, she reveals how societal and governmental structures have often marginalized certain groups, particularly women of color and unmarried individuals. The pervasive bias in housing policies not only impeded equal opportunity but also influenced women's economic independence and social status within the broader framework of American life.