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Gentrification: Its Effects on Society and the Environment

Imani Dildy-White
Hampton University
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Abstract

Gentrification has many definitions. Not because it is versatile, but many find it hard to

define and the process itself is still under observation. Gentrification is not just found in

America but in other cities across the globe. This Literature review will define gentrification, by

addressing its similarities to processes of the past, its consequences: both negative and

positive, and its effects on demographics. Surveys will project the populations knowledge on

gentrification.
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Gentrification: Its Effects on Society and the Environment

Gentrification is the process of reconstructing a district with new living facilities and

businesses that attracts white middle class. In short, it is an alteration to the spatial and

communal composition of a district. Gentrification usually takes place in lower income areas,

where people receive subsidized housing or other government benefits. The goal of this process

is to make these areas more contemporary. Gentrification began to take off in the early 2000s.

Cities all over America are being affected. Washington, D.C., Portland, Seattle and Minneapolis

are a few. Many brownstones in Brooklyn are being remodeled, followed by the neighboring

businesses in the neighbor, raising the living cost of that area.

Gentrification is not heavily documented or talked about. One might see segments on

the topic or read a brief article on the topic; however, there is no governmental or official

conversations on the topic. This is primarily due to historians being consumed in defining the

term, why it happens, and its consequences. Gentrification encompasses many consequences

making it difficult to define at times. To get a better understanding of gentrification, its

definition, and aspects surrounding it four important questions must be considered:

1. How does gentrification relate to colonialism?

2. What are the consequences of gentrification?

3. How does it change the demographics of an area?

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4. What other methods beside reconstruction aids the change in demographics?

The following research will answer the questions listed above by addressing them directly,

while addressing any other issues surrounding the question. In the next few pages the

relationship between colonialism and gentrification will be identified, the consequences of

gentrification will be separated from the definition itself, the change in demographics over time

in an area will be observed, and other methods used to aid the change in demographics will be

brought to life.

How does Gentrification relate to colonialism?

The 15th century gave birth to the commencement of colonialism. Colonialism is

governing control of a nation over another territory with plans to occupy it with pioneers or

settlers. These settlers and pioneers eventually force the native inhabitants off the land. Sadly,

colonialism shaped America as we know it today. 5 centuries forward, gentrification is

introduced. Gentrification has yet to obtain a concrete definition; however, it shares similarities

with colonialism. Gentrification forces natives from their previously inhabited land, uprooting

them and replacing them like colonialism. In fact, gentrification has been referred to as the new

urban colonialism, and its not restricted to cities in the United States. Gentrification is

happening all over the world, form Sydney to Shanghai. Within the last two decades the spatial

spread of gentrification has been redundant to early colonial waves and mercantile expansion.
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Through a cultural lens modern day gentrification highlights white privilege that is also

found in colonialism. Minorities are among those that usually live in urban areas and have

lower incomes. Usually a real estate or contracting company comes in and informs the tenants

that they will be remodeling the neighborhood and they can move back in after they are

finished. The new remodel comes with new prices in which the original tenants are now unable

to afford, forcing them out of the neighborhood. With a new neighborhood comes new higher

end businesses, from grocery to clothing stores. The higher cost of living facilities and

businesses around them raise the cost of living, making it only suitable for white middle class.

The aesthetics of the newly gentrified area and the cultural background that drives the process

is Anglo appropriation. As for the uprooted tenants, they are left without a home. This is one of

the consequences of gentrification.

What are the consequences of gentrification?

Gentrification sprouts a few consequences, some of which are positive and some are

negative. The consequence listed above is referred to as displacement. Displacement highlights

questions such as: What happens to the old tenants? Where will they go next? Will they be able

to find a neighborhood with housing they can afford? Cost of living rises in a newly gentrified

due to the sprout of new higher end business appear. This can also be viewed as positive, in the

sense that the new businesses will lead to new cultural experiences. Another positivity is that

the new tenants could increase the safety and education level of the newly gentrified area for
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older tenants who could potentially afford the new price. In cases where one could not stay it

would only increase inequality, on both the racial and class level. Natural life such as parks and

gardens will fall victim to the new construction.

Gentrification does not solely possess geographical consequences it produces social

consequences as well. Original tenants may begin to feel excluded and like outcast in their own

communities. They will feel the economic pressure of not being able to afford the products or

have access to the same materials that their neighbors might possess. Mom and Pop shops in

the neighborhood are also at risk of raising rent prices and the competition of newer

restaurants and boutiques.

How does it change the demographic of an area?

Inequality mentioned above did not sprout recently; conversely, it is a product of

demographic changes over the years driven by white appropriacy. Whites used to not wish to

live in the city with minorities so they created the suburbs. Whites then proceeded to move

further out form the suburbs and formed the outer ring to get away from the city leaving the

minorities in the inner city. Whites wished to live in the cities again which ignited the process of

gentrification. This causes a decline in minorities in the area. As the minorities decrease so will

the average size of households. New tenants typically are young couples without kids or singles.

There is usually an increase in median income of the households in that area and a decrease in

the proportion of minorities.

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When surveyed, the population reported that most had not been affected by

gentrification themselves; however, they have identified it before in surrounding communities.

The population could identify the change in demographics.

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What other methods besides reconstruction aids the change in demographics?

The creation of suburbs, the outer ring, and the start of gentrification suggest that

whites wish to not have minorities present and living in the same vicinities as them. Minorities

often find themselves targeted by the police, in jail, or in the hands of police brutality. This

helps eliminate minorities from neighborhoods before and after the process of gentrification

begins.

Conclusion

Gentrification is the process of renovation done to a neighborhood and its surrounding

stores to project a white middle class flare. Gentrification is a product of our global past in

reference to colonialism, a product of white appropriation and producer in the change of

demographics, and a producer of its consequences. The greatest consequence of gentrification

is displacement, not restricted to the displacement or minorities, but their businesses as well,

directly affecting their incomes. This consequence remains irrelevant in the eyes of the

government because of white appropriation. The only way to correct this issue is to study its

consequences and aid them to reduce the number of people who negatively fall victim to

gentrification.
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References

J. (1970, January 01). The Consequences of Gentrification. Retrieved March 20, 2017, from

http://sociologyinmyneighborhood.blogspot.com/2011/01/consequences-of-gentrification.html

Atkinson, R., & Bridge, G. (Eds.). (2004). Gentrification in a global context. Routledge.

Doucet, B. (2014). A Process of Change and a Changing Process: Introduction to the Special Issue on

Contemporary Gentrification. Tijdschrift Voor Economische En Sociale Geografie (Journal Of

Economic & Social Geography), 105(2), 125-139. doi:10.1111/tesg.12075

Osman, S. (2017). Gentrification Matters. Journal Of Urban History, 43(1), 172-179.

S. (n.d.). Sign into your account. Retrieved March 20, 2017, from

https://www.surveymonkey.com/analyze/ZEFLk7BYiMJpVjo21YkPBdTdGD4rBRTZk1SAiVLDSX0_

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