Assignment task: Urbanization and Life in the 'Burbs'
Demographers have noted that U.S. adults are increasingly moving into cities (pg. 608). An effect of this urbanization is gentrification, the movement of middle-class people into traditionally poorer areas of a city. The draw of these areas are low housing costs. Gentrification is often equated with "improving the appearance of the neighborhood -- freshly painted building, well-groomed lawns, and the absence of boarded-up windows" (pg. 609). This perceived improvement also comes at a cost, as it drives up property values (and subsequently, costs), which results in long-time residents having to leave their neighborhood.
Anaheim and Santa Ana are two local cities which have experienced gentrification in the last several years. The debate surrounding both cities
1. Drawing upon the textbook ''Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach''. and your personal observations, provide an academic, sociological critique of gentrification. How does this affect all parties involved? How does it affect the community at large? Support your claims with evidence.