The effect of urban renewal on fragmented social and political engagement in urban environments

Abstract

This case study ethnographically analyzes the propositions made by current residents of color in two gentrifying neighborhoods that endured large-scale urban renewal. Many of the propositions are informed by intergenerational disinvestment into neighborhood ecosystems affected by past renewal. I analyze the visceral ways in which race and class structure Black intraracial relationships with institutional stakeholders within these neighborhoods that today possess high levels of urban redevelopment and gentrification. Residents of previously renewed neighborhoods display profound root shock or substantial emotional trauma from the displacement of a person’s physical environment and the loss of foundational social and economic capital within them. Given this, relationships with invested institutional entities are fractured and lead to weak social and political engagement. I insert an analysis of trust into redevelopment conversations to focus more on relationships. They act as a foundation for a stable neighborhood ecosystem leading to the potential for healthy interactions between existing residents and future stakeholders.