No label defined (Q4486728)

The authors give a proof of the topological invariance of intersection homology for PL spaces. This result is originally due to \textit{M. Goresky} and \textit{R. MacPherson} for the more general case of topologically stratified spaces [Invent. Math. 72, 77-129 (1983; Zbl 0529.55007)]. There is also a proof due to \textit{F. Quinn} valid for the even more general manifold homotopically stratified spaces [Lect. Notes Pure Appl. Math. 105, 233-249 (1987; Zbl 0619.57007)]. Besides offering a simplified proof of topological invariance in a special case, there are several other reasons why the paper under review is interesting. First, there are treatments of permutation homology, a convenient tool for studying intersection homology, and homology stratifications, filtered spaces with local homology groups constant on strata. Second, the proof of topological invariance uses a new technique, homology general position. Third, the authors offer a definition of intersection bordism and give a proof of its topological invariance. Finally, there is a short list of questions about homology stratifications. For the entire collection see [Zbl 0939.00055].