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Is gentrification another form of segregation? Tierra Ray Capella University PSYCH 3540: Culture, Ethnicity & Diversity Dr. Burris November 26, 2023

2 Is gentrification another form of segregation? Gentrification is often portrayed to the public as a means of revitalizing and improving the economic fabric of a neighborhood. This process entails the reimagining of areas marked by poverty or economic deficiencies, with the aim of attracting individuals and businesses capable of elevating the existing conditions. In the forthcoming discussion, we will delve into the immediate impacts of gentrification on communities and delve into the enduring repercussions, particularly in terms of how this approach might contribute to a form of social segregation. Our examination will spotlight the fractures generated by gentrification across diverse cultures, ethnicities, and social classes. Furthermore, we will ponder the ethical and social implications of this phenomenon, scrutinizing its effects on community unity and the well-being of individuals. Despite their well-meaning intentions, these initiatives have brought about negative consequences for both communities and their residents. Gentrification, regardless of its economic goals, has proven to be a mixed blessing. Consequently, economic inequality is increasing, creating a widening gap between the middle and lower classes. Communities with low socioeconomic status bear the burden of reforms aiming to elevate them to a middle- or upper-class status. This transformation over time erases all traces of a community's former cultural identity. Furthermore, the relocation of individuals has failed to result in an enhanced quality of life, and persistent social problems persist. Although gentrification may initially appear as a promising development for both the local community and its residents, the integration of people from different socioeconomic classes may actually worsen existing issues. Additionally, the displacement caused by gentrification often leads to a loss of community cohesion and disrupts longstanding social networks.

3 As a neighborhood undergoes physical transformation due to gentrification, the appearance of its inhabitants also changes. Those with lower socioeconomic status find themselves displaced from renovated homes and businesses due to escalating rents. The consequences extend beyond the loss of homes and communities; local businesses, too, face displacement due to soaring rent prices. This prevalent trend is substantial enough to force long- standing residents, often with ties spanning generations, to seek new housing. Displacement is achieved through various means, with harassment and eviction serving as critical mechanisms. Private renters, for instance, face eviction upon lease expiration or when landlords reclaim possession of a dwelling (Atkinson, 2004). Moreover, disparities in influence over local political processes can perpetuate income segregation. Higher-income households, exerting greater sway, may enact housing policies favoring income segregation. This could include zoning laws prohibiting multifamily housing or imposing minimum lot sizes for new structures (Reardon & Bischoff, 2011). Unfortunately, for low-income individuals with limited options and mobility, there is no improvement in their standard of living; instead, they experience isolation from those who are economically better off. As different social groups ebb and flow, gentrified neighborhoods undergo a transformation, adopting a new identity. Yet, the higher social classes often harbor discomfort in the presence of those from lower social levels (Drew, 2012). Unfortunately, individuals tend to cast those who are different in a negative light to boost their own self-esteem. This stems from the belief that people are most comfortable surrounded by members of their own group, according to in-group and out-group social identity concepts (McLeod, 2019). Any deviation

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4 from the familiar leads to accusations of being "afraid" or considering the lower class "dangerous" (Drew, 2012), perpetuating a continuous division between existing residents and newcomers. Gentrification, far from reinforcing the existing social order, instead creates something entirely new and displaces those who no longer fit. The in-group/out-group concepts shed light on why gentrification falls short, fostering a divide between civilizations as it expands into new areas. Parks, schools, and churches with significant histories for locals are demolished to make way for more modern amenities designed to attract a different demographic. Historic sites are seen as remnants of an old or tragic civilization, now subject to resurrection. Current residents perceive their once-familiar neighborhood as entirely different and alien. Citizens, places, and ways of life have all been obliterated, leaving them feeling misunderstood as they lose connection with the latest touchpoints (Drew, 2012). Gentrification offers a conspicuous advantage in the restoration of the physical landscape of communities and often involves the enhancement of aesthetically appealing spaces (Atkinson, 2004). The intention behind gentrifying communities is not to demolish them; rather, it seeks to contribute to their development or, in certain cases, restore them to a more robust version of their former selves. underscores that those who remain experience increased job opportunities due to the influx of employment, leading to significant improvements in the community's economy and its residents, supported by documented advancements in social science. Moreover, gentrification attracts more affluent residents, thereby benefiting businesses that endure post-redevelopment. While the process of social hybridization may lead to the

5 extinction of a specific group, argues that individuals moving to a culture-rich community instead form a new, cohesive, and stable community. However, from a policy standpoint, viewing gentrification solely as a negative consequence of revitalization runs the risk of alienating one group of people and unevenly distributing political power, hindering a community's ability to develop a shared vision for the future. Recognizing and addressing these complexities is crucial for fostering inclusive and sustainable urban development. While the notion of effective planning and social sensitivity in such endeavors seems plausible, more often than not, these aspects are overlooked. Introducing a new way of life, which may not necessarily be an improvement, and displacing an existing community bears resemblance to historical efforts like the pilgrims' attempt to "improve" the Native American way of life and reclaim their land. The residents of the current community should never be regarded as inconvenient or, worse, rendered invisible to the rest of the community. It is imperative to recognize the intrinsic value of existing communities and engage in inclusive planning that respects their unique identities. Disregarding the perspectives and needs of current residents can perpetuate social inequalities and hinder the establishment of harmonious and sustainable urban environments. Regrettably, within society, it is often the individuals possessing the least authority and financial resources who shoulder the heaviest burden when it comes to relocation. The repercussions of gentrification-induced displacement may not immediately concern local governments, as the infusion of capital into an area initially bolsters their operational capacity. This financial injection is frequently accompanied by a revitalization image, appealing to potential community investors (Payne, 2018).

6 However, this myopic focus on short-term economic gains may overshadow the long- term social consequences of displacement, neglecting the well-being of vulnerable populations. Addressing these issues requires a more comprehensive approach that balances economic development with social equity and inclusivity in urban planning. In summary, the resetting of these barriers results in the re-emergence of community divisions, while the underlying issues hindering their potential for growth persist. This underscores why gentrification can be seen as a form of segregation. As gentrification continues to evolve, individuals from the upper and middle classes need to formulate a new approach for fostering prosperity in neighborhoods, all the while acknowledging and appreciating the existing culture. It is crucial to involve existing residents in decision-making processes regarding any changes or legislation implemented, moving away from a model that merely makes communities appealing to the predominantly white upper class in order to avert segregation. A more inclusive and sustainable method for fostering community prosperity must be explored.

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7 References 1. Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification . Oxford University Press. Pages 431–444. 2. Toussaint, L., & Friedman, P. (2009). Forgiveness, gratitude, and well-being: The mediating role of affect and beliefs . Journal of Happiness Studies, 10 (6), 635–654. 3. Thompson, L. Y., & Snyder, C. R. (2019). Forgiveness. In M. W. Gallagher & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Positive psychological assessment: A handbook of models and measures (pp. 285-304). Washington, DC, US: APA Books. 4. Greater Good Science Center. (2016, August 26). The Power of Forgiveness at Work. Greater Good Magazine. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_power_of_forgiveness_at_work

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