Gentrification, Social Capital, and the Emergence of a Lesbian Neighborhood: A Case Study of Park Slope, Brooklyn, NYC
Abstract
For decades academics have been exploring the phenomenon of gentrification, defined as "the transformation of a residential working-class area or vacant area of the central city into a middle-class residential and/or commercial use." It is a process that has attracted the attention of journalists, sociologists, political scientists, economists, architects and planners, real-estate developers, political activists, boosters, anthropologists, and political scientists. The reasons for gentrification are vast: commercial and real-estate developers sight a change for redevelopment, the gentry are drawn to up and coming neighborhoods due to their cultural and architectural appeal, or simply the neighborhoods' general economic attractiveness. To some gentrification might seem like a positive adjustment to neglected poorer neighborhoods, bringing revitalization, new stores and boutiques, higher property values and sales tax revenues. But, gentrification still comes with negative effects, and one of the consequences has been the subsequent displacement of residents that once inhabited the neighborhood. Many of these residents feel that they can no longer afford the rising rent prices and therefore end up moving out of their long-established neighborhoods completely.
Subject Area
Urban planning|LGBTQ studies
Recommended Citation
Senn, Carolyn R, "Gentrification, Social Capital, and the Emergence of a Lesbian Neighborhood: A Case Study of Park Slope, Brooklyn, NYC" (2013). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI13853676.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI13853676
