PSYC FPX 3540 Assessment 3 Controversial Topic Position Paper

Student Name

Capella University

PSYC FPX 3540 Culture, Ethnicity, and Diversity

Prof. Name:

Date

The Question of Gentrification as a Form of Segregation

The question arises: “Is gentrification another form of segregation?” Gentrification refers to the process of wealthier individuals moving into a low-income or urban area. While some may argue that this can lead to a vibrant and economically stable community, most research indicates a consensus on the issue. Although gentrification may initially promote integration, it ultimately results in segregation along both racial and economic lines. Segregation involves the separation of individuals, often based on race, culture, and income. The concepts of racial segregation and gentrification are closely intertwined.

A prominent example frequently cited in discussions is The East Village. In the 1980s, Latinos comprised over 68 percent of The East Village, whereas today they account for less than 25 percent. According to Adler in his article in “The Gist,” the remaining Latinos primarily reside in the far-east side of the neighborhood. This form of racial segregation began with the initial act of gentrification in the urban area. “When gentrification begins, neighborhoods can become more integrated and diverse—but too often, they then end up predominantly white” (Adler, 2015). This pattern observed in this Manhattan neighborhood is replicated across the country. The process typically starts with the introduction of businesses that would not normally be found in the area. While this may seem beneficial, it often leads to higher-income individuals capitalizing on the previously affordable housing market in an area that was once considered undesirable.

Economic segregation refers to the separation of individuals based on their financial means. Gentrification is often viewed as a way to bridge this gap by providing lower-income individuals access to markets they previously could not enter. However, as costs rise, many are forced to relocate to other urban areas. Ultimately, gentrification does not bridge the gap; instead, it deepens the divide. Families that were intended to be integrated into this new economic landscape often find themselves left behind, confined to dense areas, or forced to leave entirely. The original vision of integration was a noble one. While many argue that gentrification has led to integration, this is not the reality in most cases. The same patterns observed in areas like The East Village occur all too frequently. The intention was to create a more affluent economy, but the remaining Latinos often find little connection with the newcomers in their neighborhoods. Tobar emphasizes that diversity and integration are fundamentally different concepts. For instance, a wealthier community may diversify its economy, but if its residents frequent different shops and attend separate schools, true integration has not occurred.

PSYC FPX 3540 Assessment 3 Controversial Topic Position Paper

One of the primary arguments in favor of gentrification, aside from integration, is the promise of a new economic source. The goal was to establish a more diverse marketplace in urban areas, with stores typically found in wealthier neighborhoods opening locations in less affluent areas. This would provide new clientele for businesses while offering residents convenient access to services they would normally seek. However, the original inhabitants often do not constitute the primary customer base, and according to a PBS article published in 2019, the market continues to cater primarily to wealthier individuals. Instead of fostering an integrated marketplace, more businesses move into the area, attracting individuals who follow them due to the lower housing costs. Reardon and Bischoff (2011) found that income segregation increased from 1970 to 2000 across the 100 largest central city areas, with a more significant rise for Black families compared to white families. Although the concept of gentrification was initially seen as a promising solution to end segregation, it often results in the displacement of the communities that originally contributed to the city’s development, leading to predominantly white neighborhoods.

It is important to note that this pattern does not apply universally to every community affected by gentrification. Since the concept of gentrification is relatively recent, emerging only in the 1900s, understanding its patterns is complex (Freeman, 2009). Some areas have achieved a balance that results in diverse and economically stable communities. Additionally, studies indicate that segregation is less likely in poorer suburban areas compared to central city locations, primarily due to fewer income-driven housing options. However, this scenario is not typical for gentrification, where competition for low-cost housing often escalates as community costs rise. In summary, while the ideal outcome of gentrification would be a diverse and integrated community, the reality is that it often leads to the erosion of culturally vibrant communities by segregating them along racial and economic lines.

References

Douglas, R. D. (2016). Taking sides: Clashing views in race and ethnicity. [Capella]. Retrieved from https://capella.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781260973211/

Freeman, L. (2009). Neighborhood diversity, metropolitan segregation, and gentrification: What are the links in the US? Urban Studies, 46(10), 2079-2101.

No, gentrification does not solve the problem of segregation. (2015, March 24). Retrieved May 3, 2021, from https://grist.org/cities/no-gentrification-does-not-solve-the-problem-of-segregation/

Gentrification’s roots in segregation and how communities respond. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2021, from https://www.pbs.org/articles/2019/03/gentrifications-roots-in-segregation-and-how-communities-respond/