This paper examines the role of the American fire department as an institutional a selection mechanism that is infused with class bias. I begin by examining the structures and procedural elements of the organization and then look at how these reflect class biases in response to specific crises and service challenges in the urban environment, especially arson control and fire prevention policies. By assuming a second or third dimension of power analysis, this paper focuses on the day-today procedures and practices of government agencies and how these perpetuate social inequality.
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