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Gentrification essay outline
Gentrification essay outline
Gentrification essay outline
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Gentrification Introduction Beginning in the 1960s, middle and upper class populations began moving out of the suburbs and back into urban areas. At first, this revitalization of urban areas was 'treated as a 'back to the city' movement of suburbanites, but recent research has shown it to be a much more complicated phenomenon' (Schwirian 96). This phenomenon was coined 'gentrification' by researcher Ruth Glass in 1964 to describe the residential movement of middle-class people into low-income areas of London (Zukin 131). More specifically, gentrification is the renovation of previously poor urban dwellings, typically into condominiums, aimed at upper and middle class professionals. Since the 1960s, gentrification has appeared in large cities such as Washington D.C., San Francisco, and New York. This trend among typically young, white, upper-middle class working professionals back into the city has caused much controversy (Schwirian 96). The arguments for and against gentrification will be examined in this paper. Gentrification does not follow traditional urban growth theory, which predicts ?the decline of inner city areas as monied classes move to the metropolitan fringe.? The traditional economic model of real estate says that wealthy people can choose their housing from the total city market (Schwirian 96). Once these people decide to live in the suburbs, the lower social classes move into the old homes of the upper class, essentially handing housing down the socioeconomic ladder. Gentrification is actually a reversal of this process. For a variety of reasons, many inner city areas are becoming more attractive to the wealthy, and they are selecting their housing in those areas (Schwirian 96). The problem is that now when the wealthy take over poor homes and renovate them, the poor cannot afford the housing that the wealthy have abandoned. Many researchers have argued whether gentrification has truly created problems in cities. I will analyze the arguments for and against gentrification by exploring the subject from both sides. Why is the City So Attractive? Many researchers have theorized why the wealthy desire to move back into the city. Schwirian believes that many wealthy people are drawn to the architectural design of some of these old houses in urban areas (Schwirian 96). Harvey believes in a number of theories, and ... ... middle of paper ... ...ojects one at a time and assist individual households threatened with eviction. Resources should be divided between short-term and long-term actions. Finally, anti-gentrification advocates should develop a comprehensive approach to slowing down gentrification. ?A combination of relocation assistance, homebuyer programs, affordable housing development, land use planning, community organizing, and small business support must occur to address gentrification on all fronts? (Alejandrino 47). These are just some recommendations to help rescue those negatively affected by gentrification. Works Cited: Alejandrino, Simon V. Gentrification in San Francisco's Mission District: Indicators and Policy Recommendations. University of California at Berkeley, 2000. Harvey, Todd, and et al. Gentrification and West Oakland: Causes, Effects, and Best Practices 1999. 22 Nov. 2003. Schwirian, Kent P. "Models of Neighborhood Change." Annual Review of Sociology 9(1983): 83-102. Tierney, John. "The Gentry, Misjudged as Neighbors." New York Times 26 Mar. 2002, sec. B: 1. Zukin, Sharon. "Gentrification: Culture and Capital in the Urban Core." Annual Review of Sociology 13(1987): 129-147.
Lance Freeman tackles the issue of gentrification from the perspectives of residents in the gentrified neighborhood. He criticizes the literature for overlooking the experiences of the victims of gentrification. The author argues that people’s conceptions on the issue are somewhat misinformed in that most people consider it as completely deplorable, whereas in reality, it benefits the community by promoting businesses, different types of stores, and cleaner streets. These benefits are even acknowledged by many residents in the gentrified neighborhood. However, the author admits that gentrification indeed does harm. Although gentrification does not equate to displacement per se, it serves to benefit primarily homeowners and harm the poor. Additionally,
Gentrification is not about race, yet it is dressed up to be. Gentrification at its core is about new companies coming and old local stores being replaced. A more complex analysis would be that; gentrification has a significant effect and shifts on people of low-income residencies with a diverse population being replaced by primarily wealthy white residents. This causes a rift towards small and local business, culture and aesthetic of neighborhoods with the changes of new coming residents raising housing cost and ultramodern companies.(Leonard 2013) Despite the main cause of gentrification being new companies moving into low-income diverse neighborhoods. It is not portrayed in such fashion, but rather portrayed as the displacement of minorities.
With the rapid development of the city and tremendous progress of technology in America, gentrification becomes a universal phenomenon in every city, especially in Englewood―the south side of Chicago. As capital begins to flow into the Englewood community, many aspects of daily life are changed for better. The tremendous change brings not only the renovated facilities but arrives with the new retail and service business. Plenty of citizens who live in the Englewood community were benefiting from the gentrification. They also said that gentrification is a commendable change in Englewood to renew and develop. Thus, gentrification is beneficial to local residents because it arrives with the new retail and service business, increases employment opportunities and transform a more beautiful community.
Often, old and abandoned neighborhoods are revamped with new housing and places of entertainment, which increase costs in the area that the wealthy can afford. This is shown in the article, as the old, dilapidated streets of Washington Heights were converted to new places of entertainment and real-estate development. Rent prices in the area increased, and the overall standard of living was greatly uplifted. The process of changing old abandoned townhomes, described as rugged and full of drug dealers into places of new construction such as a hospital and apartment buildings in the area is a perfect example of the effect of gentrification in an area. As the definition reads, gentrification creates improvement, shown numerously throughout the article. The gentrification process that took place created a postmodern structure, increased rent prices, and renovated a vast area. The overall process and idea of renovating Washington Heights, and turning an old, abandoned neighborhoods into place of renovations and entertainment exemplifies gentrification perfectly and serves as a prime example of the process of gentrification occurring in our world
This paper will discuss the many unique aspects of Oakland, California. Divided into five major parts, Oakland is a very diverse city. The five major parts include: Downtown Oakland which is located in the heart of the city, East Oakland which consists of the majority of the city, West Oakland, North Oakland, and the Oakland hills where the terrain is quite different from other parts of the city. While many may perceive the population to mainly consist of African Americans and Whites, there is a significant growing population of Latinos, and Asians. The topics covered in this paper will shed light on the city of Oakland itself, and discuss the unique city that it is. I will also give my personal experience and perception on the city, after living there for 16 years of my life.
Richard C. Nelson, the author, is a professor in the School of Landscape Architecture and Planning and the Planning Degree program at the University of Arizona. He has made substantial contributions in real estate analysis and urban growth trends. Nelson also created the term ‘megapolitan’ which he predicts the United States will have over twenty by 2040. These megapolitans are the result of the reverse sprawl and creating major economic centers, which will make America globally competitive. Nelson’s background ties in to many of his ideas in the book, with the main points focusing on demographic changes, housing trends, more space for future jobs and the benefits of reshaping metropolitan America. Changing demographics support the notion that more people are choosing an urban lifestyle over sprawl, which means a higher preference of
With the rapid development of the city and tremendous progress of technology in America, gentrification becomes a universal phenomenon in every city, especially in Englewood―the south side of Chicago. As capital begins to flow into the Englewood community, many aspects of daily life are drastically changed for better. The tremendous change brings not only the renovated facilities and building but arrives with the new retail and service business. Plenty of citizens who live in the Englewood community were benefiting from the gentrification by live happily. They also said that gentrification is a commendable change in Englewood to renew and develop. Thus, gentrification is beneficial to local residents (Ferro).
Gentrification is the keystone for the progression of the basic standards of living in urban environments. A prerequisite for the advancement of urban areas is an improvement of housing, dining, and general social services. One of the most revered and illustrious examples of gentrification in an urban setting is New York City. New York City’s gentrification projects are seen as a model for gentrification for not only America, but also the rest of the world. Gentrification in an urban setting is much more complex and has deeper ramifications than seen at face value. With changes in housing, modifications to the quality of life in the surrounding area must be considered as well. Constant lifestyle changes in a community can push out life-time
“The Deeper Problems We Miss When We Attack ‘Gentrification’”exhibit their opinion on the positives of gentrification and the potential of “revitalization” in low-income urban communities. Badger argues that gentrification brings nothing more than further opportunities for urban communities while integrating citizens of different social classes.Furthermore , she continues to question if gentrification is in fact the monster that brings the prior expressions against gentrification where she says “If poor neighborhoods have historically suffered from dire disinvestment, how can the remedy to that evil — outside money finally flowing in — be the problem, too?”(Badger) Stating that the funds generated from sources external that are brought into these communities can’t be problematic. This concept is further elaborated in the article “Does Gentrification Harm the Poor” where Vigdoor list the potential positive enhancements gentrification can have on an urban area in America ,stating that gentrification can
Gentrification is the consequence of free enterprise, a framework described by the tireless quest for benefit. The late geographer Neil Smith counterposes Levy's hypothesis with a class point of view. He composes: By complexity, the proprietors of capital expectation on gentrifying and adding to an area have significantly more "purchaser decision" about which neighborhoods they need to eat up, and the sort of lodging and different offices they create for whatever remains of us to expend. Smith's point outlines that the foundations of gentrification lie much more profound than in the way of life of the general population - they emerge from the very reality that the economy is benefit driven. The things we expend are created
Hailey Sellers-Francisco Professor Lapriore English- 100 (TA) 28 April 2016 Gentrification on the Colored Middle Class Over the course of time, a German-born British sociologist named Ruth Glass invented the term “gentrification” which is the renovation of areas and districts to meet middle-class needs and expectations for a living environment. Glass mentioned that gentrification happens when the “working class quarters have been invaded by the middle class. until all or most of the working class occupiers are displaced and the whole social character of the district is changed” (theguardian.com). Although Glass glorifies that gentrification will improve living and society as a whole, many people believe state officials are using this to get more money out of it and putting people out on the streets rather than doing it for the good of a community. Today we are seeing numerous cities experiencing gentrification and from what we see with the renovations gentrification is a good thing, however it’s the other aspects of gentrification that we do not see that question whether gentrification is an improvement in society.
Gentrification is a highly important topic that has not only been occurring all over the United States, but especially closer than we may have thought. San Francisco is home to hundreds of thousands of people who have been a part of how amazing this city has become. San Francisco is one of the most visited places in the world with many of its famous landmarks, endless opportunities not only for daytime fun but also has an amazing nightlife that people cannot get enough of. People come for a great time and could not be done without the help of the people who have grown up to experience and love this city for what it truly is. The cost of living in such an important city has definitely had its affect of lower income San Francisco residents. For decades we have seen changes occurring in parts of San Francisco where minorities live. We have seen this in Chinatown, SOMA, Fillmore district, and especially the Mission district.
The process of gentrification although positive for the community, can have a negative effect on social class. “Social class grounded in sets of power relations consisting of domination and exploitation in which gentrification is the neighborhood expression” (Slater 2009:297). However, the overall perception is not always so welcoming to those of meager means and therefore, inequality will remain to cause segregation among the classes due to this perception. As a result, lower-income families dare not go into a business in a recently gentrified area because of its perception. For myself, I can say that many times I have seen a store or shop, but if it looks expensive on the outside, I perceive it must expensive inside and tend not to go
Technological advancement clearly has its positive affects on individuals and cultures as a whole, yet it may also be harmful to cultures that once were. Defined by Sharon Zukin, gentrification is “the conversion of socially marginal and working-class areas of the central city to middle-class residential use… reflects a movement of private-market investment capital into downtown districts of major urban centers.” Within Silicon Valley, gentrification has taken place in the major cities such as San Francisco. Home to several high-rises, skyscrapers and high tech companies, San Francisco has changed over time to become an extremely innovative city. However, in its process of doing so, previous residents of S.F. have since relocated elsewhere to make room for the innovative culture, including highly skilled and educated workers moving in. Alexandra Goldman finds that this movement within the city (and others experiencing gentrification) creates an area of a singular class status and educational or skill level. Hence, the city’s culture changes to one for a specific group of people. It is with such situation that brings a negative response to gentrification as it displaces the equality within urban areas. High-income individuals force the low-income individuals out of the area and replace the current
Gentrification is the process of middle and upper class, usually white, individuals moving into neglected neighborhoods and displacing poor, working class, minorities. In Washington, DC, lower-income neighborhoods that used to be majority African-American have seen an influx of newcomers. More developers have been changing the area so that older residents are being evicted because they can no longer afford rent. Even in neighborhoods with the highest concentrations of poverty and crime that were thought of as immune to gentrification are starting to see changes as well. There is such a demand for housing in DC that gentrification of poor, mostly black neighborhoods are spreading to even the worst neighborhoods, in terms of crime and income-levels. If the trend continues and gentrification continues