1. Introduction to Sociology
Professor Munshi
Fall 2014

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

3. Mapping Inequality

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

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

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

7. 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.

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

9. 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.

10. 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?

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

12. 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?