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Gentrification as a form of dominance and segregation

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https://news.stanford.edu/2020/12/01/gentrification-disproportionately-affects-minorities/

Gentrification as a form of dominance and segregation

The news article provides insight into the gentrification debate and how minorities are

disproportionately affected by it. Gentrification results in the eviction of low-income and

minority inhabitants at an alarming rate, according to research carried out in Philadelphia.

Gentrification refers to a neighborhood's shift in culture and social structure and a rise in

property prices. Sandra pointed out that when richer individuals relocate, they often bring new

companies, which may result in the displacement of enduring neighborhood businesses that serve

the needs of low-income and colored inhabitants. The research also discovered that there are

often fewer possibilities for cheap housing due to gentrification. Many low-income and minority

inhabitants are compelled to relocate to locations that are farther distant from employment

opportunities, educational opportunities, and other crucial services when rents and property

prices rise. The research will increase understanding of the detrimental effects of gentrification

on underserved areas and motivate policymakers to act to stop displacement and advance

equitable development.

Concerning domination and colorism, gentrification is when a poor region is changed by

the invasion of rich people who improve the area's housing and also set up new businesses hence

improving the area's economy. Considering that rebuilding and improvement in areas affect the

middle-class people more within the deteriorating areas. This leads to segregation as it only

focuses on the white affluent and low-income minority areas. Segregation is when a certain

community has been distinguished from other communities. It might also be referred to as

discrimination. However, this occurs more in between the rich and the poor communities.

However, questions have risen questioning if modern segregation can be beneficial; some
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researchers have linked the relationship between the two claiming that gentrification acts as a

social and modern-day segregation. Researchers claim that gentrification is a modern type of

segregation as it still separates the rich from the poor (Yonto & Thill, 2020). In the end, it has

been seen that many low-income people are displaced as the area is replaced by the rich.

Gentrification causes the feeling that some people have more power while others do not,

which should not be felt by people in the community. Everyone should feel equal and have the

power to live as they wish. Gentrification results in homelessness due to the inflation of prices

and the increased cost of living. Further research (Dorner & Palmer, 2021) showcases the policy

that the rich create a society that is not fit for everyone. It creates a community built by the

ancestors and does not accommodate everyone due to racism and class discrimination that make

some people suffer.

If a society means it will develop its areas, then it should not include displacement of

people; rather, it should work on creating a society that accommodates everyone. Gentrification

has been considered an ethical issue as it affects minorities with less power and displaces them

from their homes. One who has power has more advantages than one who does not have power.

The separation of people according to their class raises the theory of utilitarianism, where

treating people according to their color or their social class is harmful within society.

Considering gentrification through utilitarianism, it can be concluded that the people living in the

neighborhood after they have been displaced through gentrification have a better and happy life.

However, it is more wondering that the happier population is overwhelming. In communities

where gentrification is experienced, the cities are advanced but need to improve the low-income

people.
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References

Dorner, L. M., Cervantes-Soon, C. G., Heiman, D., & Palmer, D. (2021). “Now it’s all upper-

class parents who are checking out schools”: gentrification as coloniality in the enactment

of two-way bilingual education policies. Language Policy, 20(3), 1-27.

Yonto, D., & Thill, J. C. (2020). Gentrification in the US New South: Evidence from two types

of African American communities in Charlotte. Cities, 97, 102475.