There Goes the 'Hood

Before publishing There Goes the 'Hood: Views of Gentrification from the Ground Up, Lance Freeman's most notable contribution to the field was an intriguing study debunking established belief that gentrification necessarily displaces disadvantaged households (Freeman and Braconi, 2004). Following this study, the mainstream media began to tout the benefits of gentrification: ie. USA Today's article "Studies: Gentrification A Boost for Everyone." Though the article provides a meaningful discussion on gentrification, it may allow people to flippantly conclude that gentrification is always good.

There Goes the 'Hood seeks to bring the discussion back to the oft-overlooked players in gentrification, the long-standing members of gentrifying communities. Through a series of informal but insightful interviews, Freeman tells the story of the 'incumbent residents.' His findings indicate that these groups are at once dubious and optimistic of the process; appreciative of the improvements but wary of looming displacement. Freeman suggests that gentrification can be beneficial if appropriate safeguards are put in place.

For more from Lance Freeman, check out this short interview on NPR.