Negatives Of Gentrification

After World War II ended, urban life was in danger. To counteract the problem at hand, the federal government assigned certain organizations to help rebuild society; these programs were referred to as urban renewal projects. Since then, private sectors began taking a large interest in formerly blighted communities and revitalizing them, later termed as gentrification. During the 1970s and 1980s, gentrification began spreading worldwide in full force. However, naysayers claim gentrification is causing many social and economic problems within the United States. And though gentrification is typically depicted with a negative connotation, gentrification contributes to the capitalist system and slows suburban sprawl and environmental degradation.

This is the system of America; this is the system Americans fought and died for. It is the peoples’ innate desire to work towards success that fuels the political, economic, and social aspects of this country. Without motivation, America cannot and will not advance. Without different social standings and economic rewards, people will no longer have the incentive to work harder. Gentrification plays a major role in America’s capitalist cycle by encouraging people to work harder in hopes to live a more enriched lifestyle. For every individual, it is instinctive to want the American dream and to want to provide a good life for his/her family. Source 2 states the foundation of the American dream: “A land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” As shown, the American dream is the pressing drive for peoples’ desire to move into gentrified areas. Reduced crime, refurbished houses, and good schools are appealing to anyone. Although, it is unfortunate that wealthier families have a negative reputation of being arrogant, greedy, and callous just because of their more ostentatious lifestyle. However, not only does gentrification contribute to the capitalist system of America but to the natural environment as

As gentrification became more widespread, people’s lives began to revolve around cities. Though cities became more populous, the spread outwards slowed due to gentrification. In today’s society, a growing population has become even more concerning. In which case, gentrification is a temporary solution towards a rapidly growing population. As business owners, landlords, and other citizens focus on gentrifying a particular city, the less they are focusing on spreading outwards into the suburbs. Thus, more nature is being preserved and not being destroyed to make room for more infrastructure. Environmentalists from Source 3 argue that gentrification is a good thing because “private enterprise has focused on creating a ‘greener’ more ‘sustainable’ city.” Also, gentrifying an area means cleaning up polluted and ignored neighborhoods. Most importantly, gentrification promotes “green living” due to the new and improved economy that can support the concept. Though the process of gentrification has gained support from landlords, entrepreneurs, the upper class, and environmentalists, many people still argue gentrification is