Urban residents' perceptions of neighborhood change.
Item
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Title
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Urban residents' perceptions of neighborhood change.
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Identifier
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AAI9830761
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identifier
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9830761
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Creator
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Schearer, Mary Joan.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Leanne Rivlin
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Date
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1998
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Psychology, Social | Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies | Sociology, Public and Social Welfare
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Abstract
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This study examined the salience of neighborhood change in residents' daily lives. It explored circumstances under which residents with different backgrounds expressed common or disparate perceptions of neighborhood life and change. The site was a moderate density, economically and ethnically diverse community in Brooklyn, New York. The primary data source was an interview with 88 community residents, based on extensive fieldwork. Women and Catholics comprised nearly two-thirds of the sample, and 74% were employed. Nearly one-half completed some post-secondary education.;While disparate views of neighborhood life and change emerged, perceptions shared among residents with different backgrounds were more common. Ethnicity was not generally found to significantly shape residents' perceptions, although Hispanic residents generally were more satisfied with the neighborhood than were non-Hispanic white residents. More recent arrivals were more positive about the area than were longer-term residents.;In this neighborhood without dramatic deterioration or gentrification, change did not surface as monolithically disruptive to residents' lives. The changes cited most frequently as affecting residents' lives were increased crime, the growth of community groups, and the rehabilitation of apartment buildings. Only the first was considered detrimental. No single neighborhood change was identified by a majority of respondents as having exerted an impact on their lives in the community.;Residents' experiences most often affected by changes were their feelings about the area and their future in it, and their behavior in the neighborhood. Particularly the growth of community organizations and government-subsidized rehabilitation of apartment buildings made residents feel more positive about the neighborhood. Change-related behavioral impacts most often were limitations related to having to leave the area for desired goods and services. In this highly organized community, informal public life suffered more than did formal public life.;Multivariate analyses revealed that readily quantifiable outcomes were shaped by both discrete and experiential predictors. Experiential predictors explained noteworthy variance in housing-related perceptions. Combinations of discrete and experiential variables more effectively predicted broad neighborhood life, social life, and neighborhood change-related outcomes than did either discrete or experiential variables.;The findings endorsed efforts to sustain diverse communities, critical to urban futures--particularly improved service delivery, housing maintenance, and intergroup relations.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
