The question arises: Is gentrification another form of segregation? Gentrification is the process of relocating wealthier individuals into a poor or urban area. While some argue that this may lead to a beautifully diverse community rich with economic stability, most research indicates a mutual agreement. Although in the initial stages, gentrification fosters integration, it ultimately results in segregation, both racially and economically.

Segregation, the act of separating individuals for various reasons, commonly occurs based on race, culture, and income. The terms “racial segregation” and “gentrification” often coincide. An illustrative example is The East Village, where Latinos constituted over 68 percent in the 1980s, but now comprise less than 25 percent. The process of racial segregation began with the gentrification of the urban area. As Adler (2015) points out, “When gentrification begins, neighborhoods can become more integrated and diverse — but too often, they then end up predominantly white.”

PSYC FPX 3540 Assessment 3 Controversial Topic Position Paper

Economic segregation, the separation of individuals based on financial means, is addressed by gentrification with the intention of bridging the gap. However, as costs rise, more people are forced to move to other urban areas, deepening the divide rather than achieving integration.

The original idea of integration through gentrification often falls short of expectations. The case of The East Village and similar areas exemplifies that the diverse and integrated community envisioned does not materialize. Tobar emphasizes the distinction between diversity and integration, citing examples where economic disparities persist despite the presence of both rich and poor residents in the same community.

A major argument for gentrification is to provide a new economic source and create a more diverse marketplace in urban areas. However, businesses from wealthier areas tend to attract their original customer base, perpetuating income segregation. Reardon and Bischoff (2011) found an increase in income segregation, particularly for black families, from 1970 to 2000.

While the idea of gentrification was conceived as a brilliant solution to end segregation, it often results in the displacement of the original communities, ultimately becoming predominantly white. However, it cannot be generalized for every community, as gentrification patterns are still not fully understood.

In conclusion, the idealistic goal of gentrification is to create a diverse and integrated community. However, in practice, it often leads to the desolation of culturally flourishing communities by segregating them through racial and economic differences.

References:

Douglas, R. D. (2016). Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Race and Ethnicity. [Capella]. Retrieved from https://capella.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781260973211/

PSYC FPX 3540 Assessment 3 Controversial Topic Position Paper

Freeman, Lance. 2009. “Neighbourhood 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 03, 2021, from https://grist.org/cities/no-gentrification-does-not-solve-theproblem-of-segregation/

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

Reardon, Sean F., and Kendra Bischoff. 2011. “Income Inequality and Income Segregation 1.” American Journal of Sociology 116(4): 1092-1153. Tach, Laura, and Allison Dwyer Emory. 2017. “Public Housing Redevelopment, Neighborhood Change, and the Restructuring of Urban Inequality.” American Journal of Sociology 123(3):686-739.

PSYC FPX 3540 Assessment 3 Controversial Topic Position Paper