Alienation Before and After Gentrification: Perceiving Disorder and Displacement in Two Chicago Neighborhoods

• In Event: 4162 - Redefining Place

Abstract

Commercial gentrification often accompanies residential gentrification. Both processes
contribute to the real or perceived threat of displacement for longtime residents. Social and
cultural displacement are related concerns among many such residents who may experience or
perceive a declining sense of ownership, control, or belonging as newer residents and
commercial establishments move into their communities. Yet, other longtime residents
experience an increased sense of safety as their neighborhoods gentrify and they may appreciate the new amenities gentrification brings. In these cases, commercial and residential gentrification brings welcome changes for neighborhood residents previously fearful of gang violence and crime. Analyzing qualitative interview and observational data collected during a study of commercial gentrification in Logan Square and Pilsen, two gentrifying neighborhoods in Chicago, I identify two different patterns of longtime residents experiencing their communities
as something alien to them – a phenomenon I call alienation from place. Alienation from place may be a product of social and cultural displacement or may be alleviated by cultural and economic changes to a neighborhood as they accompany gentrification processes, a posteriori alienation from place and a priori alienation from place, respectively.

Author

• Steven Tuttle, Loyola University Chicago