Gentrification

Question 1

What is the link between the transition from the industrial city to the post-industrial city and gentrification?

Answer 1

With the decline of the industrial city, the manufacture is moved out of the city, or in other countries. The inner city becomes more attractive, and the economy shifts to the service sector. Corporate headquarters arrive in the inner city, and therefore higher class professional want to be close to work. As they move into the inner city, the neighborhood gentrify, some people may be pushed out.

Question 2

what is the first wave of gentrification?

Answer 2

the first wave is subculture gentrification. An unconventional community, in need of urban space, settles in a cheap neighborhood. They upgrade the neighborhood with renovations, bringing in new services, and beautifying it. There might be conflict with long-term residents over their eccentricity. There is usually less displacement, because they take mostly abandonned spaces.

Question 3

Give an example of first wave gentrifiers

Answer 3

The gay community, artists, hipsters.

Question 4

What is the second wave of gentrification?

Answer 4

The upgraded neighborhood becomes attractive to middle-class urbanites (Lloyd: “yuppies”)
They buy houses or apartments. Land values rise
Eventually, the first wave gentrifiers may no longer be able to afford living in the neighborhood
Potential of conflict with first wave gentrifiers.

Question 5

what are global cities?

Answer 5

The cities that make the transition from industrial to post-industrial the most successfully: they attract the most headquarters

Question 6

in what ways do Lees and Freeman differ ?

Answer 6

Lees argues that gentrification is never beneficial for low-income residents, whereas Freeman is more nuanced, sees some ways in which they can benefit

Question 7

according to Lees, what are the three rationales in policy debate for social mixing ?

Answer 7

1. “defending the neighborhood” argument: middle class people are stronger advocates for public resources.
2. “money-go-round” argument: tenurially and socioeconomically mixed neighborhoods are able to support stronger local economy
3. “networks and contacts” argument: draws on Putnam’s bridging and bonding social capital to promote social mixing as the way to general social cohesion and economic opportunity.

Question 8

what are Lee’s 6 critiques of the “social mixing” policies

Answer 8

1. Gentrification causes overwhelmingly negative effects
2. Gentrification does not engender social mixing
3. Social mixing is a one-sided strategy
4. gentrification-induced social mixing threatens the benefits of segregation
5. what kind and how much social mixing is best is not mentioned in policy litterature
6. Social Mix Policy Fails to Demonstrate How ‘Social Mixing’ between Diverse Neighborhood Groups is Going to be Achieved

Question 9

according to the residents interviewed by Freeman, what are some positive effects of gentrification?

Answer 9

1. homeowners see increased return on their investment
2. improvement of amenities and services
3. improvement in police service, feeling of safety
4. quality of life can improve
5. pride that others would want to live there

Question 10

According to the residents interviewed by Freeman, what are some negative effects of gentrification?

Answer 10

1. The changes in the neighborhood are perceived as “for Them” (the whites) vs for the black population.
2. The improvement in services reflects the discriminatory treatment black neighborhoods receive, however they can be happy with some improvements.
3. Fear that the neighborhood would lose its character: the neighborhood as a source of identity.
4. Concern of people being displaced: displacement associated with homelessness in NY because of scarce housing.
5. Small businesses forced out: “mom and pop” stores provided services for the community (for instance would help organize parties, provide soft drinks and so on) (especially in Harlem- influx of national chain stores).