Basements Quote by Jane Addams
“An unscrupulous contractor regards no basement as too dark, no stable loft too foul, no rear shanty too provisional, no tenement room too small for his workroom as these conditions imply low rental.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Social Reform and Housing, 1910s
A corrupt contractor exploits any low‑quality space for profit, showing how profit motives can degrade living standards.
In simple terms: Contractors exploit poor housing for profit.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for fair housing standards.
Themes
social justice
housing
ethics
Mood
concerned
determined
Type
activist
analytical
When to use this quote
- city planning
- tenant advocacy
- policy reform
- community organizing
Key Concepts
urban poverty
exploitation
rent seeking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can communities enforce better housing standards?
- What policies deter exploitative building practices?
A Different Perspective
Not all contractors are unscrupulous; context matters.
