A study that was released on March 19, 2019 conducted by the National Community Reinvestment
Coalition from 2000 to 2013 found that Washington D.C. has the highest intensity of gentrification
than any other city in the country (NCRC). Gentrification involves an increase in people moving
into an area that was not previously being invested in, raising the value of property there. Although
improvements are made to communities because of increased investment and economic revitalization,
this also causes increases in rent and cost of living which forces the residents already living there, who
are frequently people of color, to move away to less expensive areas. This means that they not only
have to leave everything that is familiar to them, such as social and support networks, but they also
do not get to benefit from any of the positive changes to their community, such as reduced crime and
higher employment and opportunity levels.
Coalition from 2000 to 2013 found that Washington D.C. has the highest intensity of gentrification
than any other city in the country (NCRC). Gentrification involves an increase in people moving
into an area that was not previously being invested in, raising the value of property there. Although
improvements are made to communities because of increased investment and economic revitalization,
this also causes increases in rent and cost of living which forces the residents already living there, who
are frequently people of color, to move away to less expensive areas. This means that they not only
have to leave everything that is familiar to them, such as social and support networks, but they also
do not get to benefit from any of the positive changes to their community, such as reduced crime and
higher employment and opportunity levels.
The process of gentrification relates to the concepts involved in conflict theory such as the ways in
which those in power maintain that power and gain further privileges at the expense of groups who
are already disadvantaged and oppressed. This is clear in the way that gentrification disproportionately
impacts people of color and low income residents. For example, the study stated that, “Displacement
of black and Hispanic residents accompanied gentrification in many places and impacted at least
135,000 people in our study period. In Washington, D.C., 20,000 black residents were displaced, and
in Portland, Oregon, 13 percent of the black community was displaced over the decade.” (NCRC)
The high numbers of people who have been forced to move out of communities that they have been
a part of for many years are some of the most devastating impacts of gentrification. They lose their
homes and the community loses many of its members, resulting in the loss of historical memories
and culture within the area.
which those in power maintain that power and gain further privileges at the expense of groups who
are already disadvantaged and oppressed. This is clear in the way that gentrification disproportionately
impacts people of color and low income residents. For example, the study stated that, “Displacement
of black and Hispanic residents accompanied gentrification in many places and impacted at least
135,000 people in our study period. In Washington, D.C., 20,000 black residents were displaced, and
in Portland, Oregon, 13 percent of the black community was displaced over the decade.” (NCRC)
The high numbers of people who have been forced to move out of communities that they have been
a part of for many years are some of the most devastating impacts of gentrification. They lose their
homes and the community loses many of its members, resulting in the loss of historical memories
and culture within the area.
The loss of historical and cultural institutions and traditions is another significant effect of
gentrification. For example, in a Washington D.C. neighborhood, researcher Van Tol, “...recalled
the 2015 closing of the popular Jamaican restaurant Sweet Mango Cafe in Petworth and the end of
the neighborhood’s annual Caribbean parade.” (Washington Post) These were just two examples in
one small area of Washington which shows how a community’s sense of identity may change as a
result of so many of the original residents being unable to afford to stay there. While affluent and
frequently white people move into these neighborhoods, people who are already oppressed in society
are driven out of their homes. Communities should work to discover ways that could promote
economic investment while ensuring that the original residents are not displaced and can still enjoy
the benefits and positive qualities of their neighborhoods.
This image is an example of the type of business that replaces ones that are unable to continue paying
for their space after rates of rent increase. Often the businesses that are unable to stay have been a part
of the community for many years and are missed by residents of the area, who are frequently unable
to stay themselves because of the increase in cost of living. Those who are able to afford to remain in
the community can feel isolated in a place that used to feel like home because of the loss of “neighbors,
social networks and local businesses.” (Washington Post)
for their space after rates of rent increase. Often the businesses that are unable to stay have been a part
of the community for many years and are missed by residents of the area, who are frequently unable
to stay themselves because of the increase in cost of living. Those who are able to afford to remain in
the community can feel isolated in a place that used to feel like home because of the loss of “neighbors,
social networks and local businesses.” (Washington Post)
These images are an example of before and after an area has been gentrified. Smaller businesses such
as the ones above are forced to leave and are replaced by more expensive businesses that do not hold
the history of the city and the memories of those who spent time there.
as the ones above are forced to leave and are replaced by more expensive businesses that do not hold
the history of the city and the memories of those who spent time there.
Sources
Richardson, Jason, et al. “Shifting Neighborhoods: Gentrification and Cultural Displacement in American Cities.” NCRC, 19 Mar. 2019, ncrc.org/gentrification/.
Shaver, Katherine. “D.C. Has the Highest 'Intensity' of Gentrification of Any U.S. City, Study Says.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 19 Mar. 2019, www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2019/03/19/study-dc-has-had-highest-intensity-gentrification-any-us-city/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.e384232681e4.
“The 14 Best Coffee Shops in Philadelphia.” Time Out Philadelphia, www.timeout.com/philadelphia/restaurants/best-coffee-shops-in-philadelphia.
“13 Before & After Photos That Show The Changing Face Of New York City.” Guest of a Guest, guestofaguest.com/new-york/nyc/13-before-and-after-photos-that-show-the-changing-face-of-new-york-city.
This post demonstrates a very relevant issue that is occurring within many cities in the United States today. Some argue that gentrification is beneficial due to the renovation it provides to communities that can allow for an influx of jobs and opportunity. However, I agree with this post's claim that it is an example of the Conflict Theory because ultimately, gentrification benefits wealthy citizens who have the power and control to push out disadvantaged communities from their homes by raising the cost of living. One aspect of gentrification that is not mentioned but also important is how it impacts education. Once an area is gentrified, property tax base generally increases which allows more funding to be allocated to the public schools in the area which perpetuates the distribution of higher quality education to wealthier citizens. This concept contributes to the idea described in this post that people in gentrified communities gain more open social stratification while simultaneously giving the marginalized communities closed stratification by kicking them out.
ReplyDeleteGentrification is a very important issue in the current state of the U.S. This post shows how mainly white people benefit from gentrification, while people of color are pushed out of their communities. Specifically in Portland, gentrification happened because it was and is a very racist city. Gentrification is an example of conflict theory because people of color suffer from redlining and a racist a housing-market, while whites reap the benefits of a reinvested-in community.
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