Loss, Gain, and Redistribution: Increased Stratification amongst Puerto Ricans in Greater New York City 1980-2010

• In Event: 127 - Section on Inequality, Poverty and Mobility Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Paper Session: Table 18. Neighborhoods and Inequality

Abstract

Upon the release of the 2000 Census figures, Puerto Ricans were said to be fleeing New York City, which while explicitly true, masks the incredible variation in experience both between the traditional five boroughs, as well as between the surrounding counties in New York and New Jersey for the past few decades. Although Puerto Ricans have decreased in number in New York City proper, when including the surrounding counties, the net loss becomes comparatively negligible. As well, in the past 30 years, stratification amongst Puerto Ricans in the region has increased markedly. Those with means have been fleeing the traditional urban Puerto Rican neighborhoods for more suburban cities and towns throughout the region. While encouraging that there has been great growth in income for some Puerto Ricans, a group that has historically faced great social and economic obstacles, this trend has resulted in the increased concentration of poverty for the urban and aging Puerto Rican population. Utilizing Census data, this paper examines the previously unexplored demographic changes within the Puerto Rican population in Greater New York City, makes comparisons to populations living in similar spatial locations, and investigates the policy and research implications of these trends for both Puerto Ricans and other racial/ethnic populations in metropolitan regions.

Author

• Samantha Pina Saghera, City University of New York-Graduate Center