What impact do poor neighbourhood conditions have on family life? Why does "neighbourhood" matter to low income families? How important is community spirit to people living in deprived areas? Does major regeneration funding improve social conditions? This book about the lives of families in London's East End gives important new insights into neighbourhood relations (including race relations), through the eyes of the local community. What hope is there of change? Using an up-to-date account of life in East London, the authors illustrate how cities faced with neighbourhoods in decline are changing. "East Enders": gives a bird's eye view of neighbourhood problems and assets; provides policy recommendations based on real life experiences; tackles topical issues such as race relations, mothers and work, urban revival and social disorder through the eyes of families; and is authored by leading experts in community studies. Undergraduate and postgraduate students in social policy, sociology, anthropology, urban studies, child development, geography, housing and public administration should find this book useful. Policy makers in national and local government, practitioners and community workers in towns and cities and general readers interested in the life and history of urban neighbourhoods will also find this book a valuable source of information.