Gentrification can appear to be a good thing for both communities and their citizens. However, notable risks occur when cultures from two different socioeconomic origins interact. Wealthier classes of society frequently feel uneasy around low-income residents, viewing them as “dangerous” because of unfamiliarity and disparities (Elliott-Cooper et al., 2019). Long- and short-term studies have found that gentrification has a wide range of negative consequences for people affected. For example, older buildings that are culturally and historically significant to the local community are routinely demolished to make way for new constructions targeted at luring wealthy newcomers, with little consideration for the area’s cultural value.
Even seemingly little concerns, like local park drummers, highlight the problem. These drummers, once a beloved part of the community environment, are now viewed as a nuisance by newer, wealthier neighbors, resulting in complaints and regulations that change the neighborhood’s character. As a result, the area’s original culture — its people, sights, noises, and atmosphere — changes dramatically, weakening longstanding residents’ feelings of belonging. Furthermore, these people often discover themselves powerless in their changing communities, as the more prosperous immigrants hold more power in decision-making. Lastly, this helps to turn a culturally rich, low-income area into one in which no one feels truly safe going down the street (Elliott-Cooper et al., 2019).
The introduction of a higher socioeconomic class into low-income communities frequently results in considerable rent increases (Kholodilin, 2024). These increases are generally significant enough to motivate long-term residents who have lived in these communities for decades to relocate in search of more affordable housing options. Even efforts to develop measures that avoid the physical departure of current people could unintentionally increase tensions between the two groups. These policies are sometimes seen as benefiting low-income or original residents, promoting an “us vs. them” mindset, and setting the groups directly against one another. This conflict leads to a sense of displacement in its own way, as rising tensions and discomfort affect long-term residents away from their homes.
">Gentrification and culture are important topics (PSYC FPX 3540 Assessment 2) to consider, particularly as Thanksgiving approaches. The concept of adopting other — though not necessarily superior — traditions and cultures that evict the current population is similar to the activities of the pilgrims, who tried to “improve” Native Americans’ way of life while claiming their homeland.
As a Las Vegas resident, I am especially concerned about this topic, as downtown revitalization is facing these issues. The primary concern is whether a region can grow and obtain new economic benefits without losing the distinguishing characteristics that drew people in the first place. Gentrification has always been a two-edged sword with unanticipated negative outcomes, despite its noble intentions. Changes required to elevate low-income areas to middle- or upper-class levels frequently impair the well-being, culture, and businesses of individuals who currently live there.
Related Assessment:
PSYC FPX 3540 Assessment 1 Theories Application Exercise
Gentrification can appear to be a good thing for both communities and their citizens. However, notable risks occur when cultures from two different socioeconomic origins interact. Wealthier classes of society frequently feel uneasy around low-income residents, viewing them as “dangerous” because of unfamiliarity and disparities (Elliott-Cooper et al., 2019). Long- and short-term studies have found that gentrification has a wide range of negative consequences for people affected. For example, older buildings that are culturally and historically significant to the local community are routinely demolished to make way for new constructions targeted at luring wealthy newcomers, with little consideration for the area’s cultural value.
Even seemingly little concerns, like local park drummers, highlight the problem. These drummers, once a beloved part of the community environment, are now viewed as a nuisance by newer, wealthier neighbors, resulting in complaints and regulations that change the neighborhood’s character. As a result, the area’s original culture — its people, sights, noises, and atmosphere — changes dramatically, weakening longstanding residents’ feelings of belonging. Furthermore, these people often discover themselves powerless in their changing communities, as the more prosperous immigrants hold more power in decision-making. Lastly, this helps to turn a culturally rich, low-income area into one in which no one feels truly safe going down the street (Elliott-Cooper et al., 2019).
The introduction of a higher socioeconomic class into low-income communities frequently results in considerable rent increases (Kholodilin, 2024). These increases are generally significant enough to motivate long-term residents who have lived in these communities for decades to relocate in search of more affordable housing options. Even efforts to develop measures that avoid the physical departure of current people could unintentionally increase tensions between the two groups. These policies are sometimes seen as benefiting low-income or original residents, promoting an “us vs. them” mindset, and setting the groups directly against one another. This conflict leads to a sense of displacement in its own way, as rising tensions and discomfort affect long-term residents away from their homes.
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