Relationship to Place for Older Adults in a New York City Neighborhood Undergoing Gentrification: A Discourse Analysis

Abstract

While many older adults live in neighborhoods undergoing gentrification, research rarely explores their narratives about the gentrification process and their relationships with gentrifiers. This study uses discourse analysis of ethnographic data in Queens, NY, to identify repertoires in older adults’ narratives about the meaning of place and gentrification. Five distinct repertoires emerged: (1) gentrification brings a discussion of losses; (2) talk of the insider versus outsider claim to space; (3) social connectivity phrased as a strength during gentrification; (4) statements about adaptation strategies used to buffer change; and (5) language about neighborhood change as good—even during gentrification. These repertoires show older residents seek to understand and validate their role in a changing place. Their individual dialogues echo discussions and power differentials in their larger social worlds. Older persons’ repertoires illustrate the struggle to contextualize gentrification and not simply homogenize the process or create only limited, stereotypical insider–outsider arguments.

How are nature-based solutions contributing to priority societal challenges surrounding human well-being in the United Kingdom: a systematic map

“…The study highlighted that the infrastructure project was successful in its intent to improve living conditions and increase the value of land and property in surrounding neighbourhoods but this was at the expense of a section of the community. This study highlights that decisions made to improve quality of life can have unforeseen consequences of which gentrification appears to be a well-documented example [30,31].…”

Housing and neighbourhood diagnosis for ageing in place: Multidimensional Assessment System of the Built Environment (MASBE)

“… The concept requires formalising a strategy to improve ageing in place. Weil (2019) Incorporate gentrification of cities into the complexity of ageing in place. Fang et al (2016) Highlights the value of designing sustainable environments for the elderly.…”

Advocating for the Preservation of Senior Housing: A Coalition at Work Amid Gentrification in Detroit, Michigan

“…Gerontological scholarship continues to examine links between housing and health that may come to the forefront in times of housing instability and subsequent transition (Fung, 2016;Versey, 2018). Whereas Smith et al (2018) found that gentrification can also bring resources to a community and perceptions of security and safety, and Weil (2019) found improvements welcomed at times, other scholars are concerned that youth-oriented development will overlook the health and social concerns of seniors (Burns, Lavoie, & Rose, 2012). In addition, older residents facing gentrification may face loss in terms of social networks and spaces, ageist hiring practices in seeking employment, and stark defunding of community resources like libraries (Finlay & Finn, 2020;Weil, 2019).…”

“…Whereas Smith et al (2018) found that gentrification can also bring resources to a community and perceptions of security and safety, and Weil (2019) found improvements welcomed at times, other scholars are concerned that youth-oriented development will overlook the health and social concerns of seniors (Burns, Lavoie, & Rose, 2012). In addition, older residents facing gentrification may face loss in terms of social networks and spaces, ageist hiring practices in seeking employment, and stark defunding of community resources like libraries (Finlay & Finn, 2020;Weil, 2019). Scholars are suggesting a nuanced approach to analyzing the impact of gentrification on older residents, taking into account personal and community-level assets, which must include ability to adapt to change (Weil, 2019), mobility as a key factor in social participation for older adults (Dale, Heusinger, & Wolter, 2018), and the safety and accessibility of residences, buildings, and communal spaces, andimportantly-social networks (Finlay, McCarron, Statz, & Zmora, 2019).…”

“…In addition, older residents facing gentrification may face loss in terms of social networks and spaces, ageist hiring practices in seeking employment, and stark defunding of community resources like libraries (Finlay & Finn, 2020;Weil, 2019). Scholars are suggesting a nuanced approach to analyzing the impact of gentrification on older residents, taking into account personal and community-level assets, which must include ability to adapt to change (Weil, 2019), mobility as a key factor in social participation for older adults (Dale, Heusinger, & Wolter, 2018), and the safety and accessibility of residences, buildings, and communal spaces, andimportantly-social networks (Finlay, McCarron, Statz, & Zmora, 2019). For an example of the latter, Pittman and Oakley's work in Chicago, Illinois, on the importance of the well-being of multiple generations living in low-income housing led to "activist mothering" (p. 478) by older family members to promote the well-being of intergenerational households in Chicago, Illinois (2018).…”