The scope and nature of social problems are frequently a creation of the various organizations and agencies established to deal with some aspect of community concern. The "educational" and other activities of these groups can be seen as attempts at reality construction. Regarding these efforts, this study examined the kind and effectiveness of drug addiction programs sponsored by social service agencies in New York City's Lower East Side and found them to be wanting. The absence of drug programs and the inability of these agencies to effectively carry out projects of this (and any other) kind appears to be a consequence of the funding structure and the existence of conflict between agencies. It is argued, however, that these agencies can serve as a principal base from which community control over and ultimately any just solution to the drug problem may be initiated.
Book Review of The House on Henry Street: The Enduring Life of a Lower East Side Settlement
