Introduction to Sociology Professor Munshi Fall 2014 Inequality

Introduction to Sociology Professor Munshi Fall 2014

Inequality in New York City • Census data (2013): New York State has 2 nd highest level of inequality • Washington DC has more, but it decreased last year (and in NYS, it went up) • NYC is 6 th most unequal city in the U. S. – About 21% of people (~2 million people) living in NYC live in poverty

Mapping Inequality http: //projects. newyorker. com/story/subway/ http: //www. socialexplorer. com/blog/post/newcensus-data-on-manhattan-s-growing-wealthgap-social-explorer-in-the-ny-times-4560

Inequality and Housing Median rents in New York City Manhattan: just under $4, 000 Brooklyn: $3, 172 Queens: $2, 934

Gentrification Economic process that increases property values in a neighborhood through:

Gentrification Changes in demographics Who lives in the neighborhood, median income, fewer families (more couples/single people), fewer people of color/racial minorities

Gentrification Changes in real estate markets Large increases in rents and home prices, increases in the number of evictions, conversion of rental units to ownership (condos) and new development of luxury housing.

Gentrification Changes in Land Use A decline in industrial uses, an increase in office or multimedia uses, the development of livework "lofts" and high-end housing, retail, and restaurants.

Gentrification Culture and Character New ideas about what is desirable and attractive, including standards (either informal or legal) for architecture, landscaping, public behavior, noise, and nuisance.

Reading: the ins and outs • According to the article, how has Crown Heights changed? • How do these changes affect the residents? • What does the story of Raquel Cruz show us about how gentrification operates?

Gentrification Has Crown Heights become safer? Why/why not?

Homework for Wednesday • Bring in a hard copy of a summary of your “field notes”– what did you see about the food options in your neighborhood? What is available and what are the gaps?