Paloma's Urban Sociology Blog

Let's unravel the stories, complexities, and beauty of the cities we call home, one blog post at a time.

[palomasu]

Final Post.

As the semester comes to a close, I find myself in a whirlwind of emotions. Reflecting back on the beginning of the semester, I am struck by what a transformative journey it has been. I remember coming into the first day not knowing what I would get out of this class, unaware that it would soon become the class I learnt the most from.

Urban Sociology provided a delightful change of pace from my typical Wharton classes. In my business classes, the focus is on learning very specialized information that is very difficult to apply outside of a classroom/firm. Urban sociology opened a door to a more holistic understanding of the world, encouraging me to challenge my typical beliefs and see why things today were the way they were. Every class I left with a new understanding, a new thought, and things I would connect to what I observed in my day-to-day life. I found myself not only absorbing facts but also questioning assumptions, challenging my own perspectives, and engaging in discussions that extended beyond the classroom walls. Urban sociology made me more outspoken, finding every excuse to talk to my family and friends about social issues that I was once quiet about.

The initial uncertainty I felt on the first day transformed into genuine enthusiasm as the weeks unfolded. As I read the prominent works of other sociologists, it was like piecing together a puzzle, each stimulating my mind to think critically about issues about housing, people, poverty etc.

What made the class truly exceptional was Dr Gershberg's enthusiasm, commitment and welcoming personality. In a matter of days he became a mentor, cultivating a sense of intellectual curiosity in me and others. I loved listening to him communicate the subject matter eloquently and make the class into something to look forward as each week went by.

As I navigate my academic journey, I carry the lessons from this transformative semester as a reminder that a well-rounded education is not just about specialization but about embracing diverse perspectives and disciplines. In bidding farewell to this class, I find myself grateful for the unexpected journey it unfolded. The whirlwind of emotions as the semester closes is a testament to the profound impact it has had on my intellectual growth and the expansion of my worldview. As I move forward, I carry the knowledge gained from urban sociology as a guiding light, illuminating my path toward a more comprehensive and empathetic understanding of the world.

[palomasu]

Cleaning Up the Mess: A Global Responsibility

It's apparent that the current environmental challenges stem from the persistent "growth at all costs" mentality of developed nations. Now, pollution, deforestation, and climate change have become global problems.

Why should developing nations be burdened with cleaning up this mess and have yet to undergo their growth phase essential for expansion? It is unfair that developed nations have reaped the benefits of industrialization and economic growth, while developing nations are still striving to reach that level. It raises a legitimate concern: How can we rectify the environmental predicament while ensuring that developing nations can pursue their necessary growth without perpetuating the cycle of environmental degradation?

The challenge lies in finding a balance between accommodating the growth needs of developing nations and instilling a sense of environmental responsibility. It's unfair to hinder their development, but it's equally unjust to allow a continuation of environmentally harmful practices.

I believe the best solution to be that developed nations offer assistance to developing nations in adopting cleaner technologies, ensuring that their growth is not synonymous with environmental harm, thereby paving the way for sustainable development.

[palomasu]

Developing Countries

In class this week we went into detail about developing or less developed countries, highlighting key characteristics, such as youthful age structure, Multinationals taking advantage of inexpensive labor, cities still offer great hope and higher wages compared to rural, Informal economy, squatter settlements, primate cities, overurbanization. As someone from the developing country, Jamaica, I have seen these characteristics first-hand.

Multinational corporations, seeking to capitalize on inexpensive labor, often play a role in the economic landscape of developing countries like Jamaica. This can bring economic growth and job opportunities, but it also raises concerns about fair labor practices, exploitation, and the potential for wealth to be concentrated in the hands of a few. Additionally in Jamaican cities, the allure of better opportunities, higher wages, and improved living standards compared to rural areas is evident. However, this urbanization trend also leads to the growth of informal economies, where a significant portion of economic activities occurs outside formal regulations. This can make it challenging for the government to collect taxes, enforce labor standards, and provide essential services to all citizens.

Squatter settlements, characterized by makeshift housing and inadequate infrastructure, are a stark manifestation of urbanization challenges. These settlements often lack access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare, highlighting the need for comprehensive urban planning and slum improvement initiatives.

The concept of primate cities, where one city dominates the urban landscape and concentrates most economic, political, and cultural activities, is relevant to many developing nations, including Jamaica. In the capital, Kingston, this is where the source of all decisions are made and most of the countries resources are concentrated. The concentration of resources in a primate city can lead to regional imbalances and unequal development, exacerbating disparities between urban and rural areas.

Overurbanization, a phenomenon where urban growth outpaces economic development, can lead to strain on resources and services. In the Jamaican context, managing rapid urbanization is crucial to ensuring sustainable development and avoiding the pitfalls associated with overurbanization, such as traffic congestion, inadequate housing, and environmental degradation.

As a Jamaican, it's essential to recognize both the potential benefits and challenges associated with these characteristics of developing countries. It underscores the importance of informed policymaking, investments in education and infrastructure, and fostering a balance between urban and rural development. Moreover, engaging in global discussions on sustainable development and fair economic practices is crucial for addressing these issues not only at the national level but also on an international scale.

[palomasu]

"When will school start back?"

Those 5 words were something I would've never expected to come out my mouth pre-covid. But there I was, in the latter part of my senior year, eagerly anticipating the re-opening.

The pandemic changed everything, for everyone: the majority of people were forced into remote learning/work and isolation. When my high school announced that it would be closing for a week during the onslaught of the pandemic, I remember being extremely excited, happy to get a break from school and miss out on the numerous tests I had that week. Quickly, I learned that 'coronavirus' wasn't just a synonym for staying home-- it was a real tragedy that was impacting many lives. After weeks of Zooming into school from my bedroom, I realized how much I missed school (and all that came with it!).

I found myself yearning for those face-to-face interactions with teachers and friends. The virtual classes lacked the personal touch and spontaneity that made learning enjoyable for me. I longed for the lively discussions, the shared laughter, and even the school lunches (curry-goat Thursdays).

It seemed like no matter how connected me and my friends were online, there was always an unspoken disconnection.

October 31, 2020, 'Zoom-o-ween'

So, to answer the question posed in this week's class about whether or not cities would die due to remote work and online education, the answer is no. The in-person experience is irreplaceable. The connections formed in the physical space, the spontaneous conversations, and the unspoken camaraderie added a dimension to the educational journey that online platforms couldn't fully capture.

Returning to school, with its emphasis on face-to-face interactions, felt like a rekindling of the social bonds that Jacobs and Putnam celebrated in their respective works. And while the pandemic had forced us to adapt to new ways of learning, it also highlighted the importance of human connection and the unique atmosphere that only a physical space can provide.

[palomasu]

Gentrification & Segregation

This week in class we discussed the question, "How can we resolve the tension between wanting to reduce segregation and the potential risks of gentrification?"

My thought process while brainstorming was this:

The influx into the neighborhood leads to an increase in neighborhood value due to renovations, new developments, etc by the better-off new-comers.

They make the neighborhood less segregated by moving in, but they are also forcing residents to move out, as many residents aren't given a say in what happens to their neighborhoods and cannot afford to live there any more.

Why not just get low-income residents involved in discussing changes that come about in the neighborhood? Engaging them in discussions and decision-making processes could potentially help shape developments in ways that align more closely with their needs and preferences.

But I quickly realized even if they do have a say in the development happening, that does not get rid of the fact that improvements will still happen and drive up prices.

Maybe the issue itself is less about keeping the neighborhood affordable, but more about addressing the underlying issue as to why they are unable to afford it in the first place.

As a policy maker, my focus would be to create educational programs that enhance the human capital of the community, making residents more eligible for higher-paying jobs. These initiatives would involve corporate sponsorships, conditional job offers, skill matching, community engagement, and monitoring to create a sustainable ecosystem.Local businesses and corporations would be encouraged to sponsor these programs, provide financial support, and offer internships or mentorships. Conditional job offers from sponsoring companies upon program completion would reduce the job-seeking process friction. The curriculum would align with local workforce needs, ensuring graduates possess in-demand skills.

This integrated approach enhances human capital, connects education with the job market, promotes corporate social responsibility, and empowers residents to participate in their neighborhood's growth, mitigating the gentrification-segregation tension.

[palomasu]

"Majority Minority"

In our class this week, we talked about how cities are evolving. Traditional demographic compositions are changing, and the concept of a "majority minority" is central to this transformation. In simple terms, it signifies a scenario where racial and ethnic minority groups, collectively, surpass the majority white population in a given area.

As a college student, I've observed how cities have been evolving. For the longest time, the United States has been predominantly white, but that's no longer the case. The Census Bureau estimates that by 2045, white Americans will no longer make up the majority of the population. It's not a distant future; it's right around the corner.The "Majority Minority" has significant economic and political implications. With the changing demographics, political power and decision-making are evolving. More diverse voices and perspectives are shaping public policies, which in turn influence urban development, housing, and education. In terms of the job market, diversity brings innovation and new opportunities. Employers are recognizing the importance of having a multicultural workforce to better serve a diverse customer base, and so are adding diversity initiatives and internship opportunities.

While the "Majority Minority" offers immense opportunities for growth, it also brings its set of challenges like inequality, discrimination, and social cohesion. There are still issues of marginalization that we must confront head-on. Access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities can still be uneven across different communities. Prejudices and stereotypes, unfortunately, don't disappear overnight. But recognizing and addressing these issues is crucial for fostering a truly inclusive society.

[palomasu]

In class this week, we delved into a topic that's been a longstanding point of discussion and debate: the unequal distribution of household chores. The professor presented some sobering statistics, and it wasn't surprising to see that most people in the room raised their hands when asked if they believed women do more chores around the house. It was a topic that resonated with me deeply, not just as a point of academic interest, but also as a result of my own personal experiences.

Growing up, my parents adhered to traditional gender roles when it came to household chores.She not only juggled a full-time job but also held a lot of domestic responsibilities. My dad, a hadworking doctor, less so.

One vivid memory that stands out is the Saturday morning cleaning ritual at our house. My mom would wake up early, don her apron, and get to work with a vacuum cleaner in hand. I would join her, an eager little helper with my small broom and dustpan, imitating her every move. Meanwhile, my dad would be comfortably ensconced in his favorite armchair, engrossed in the newspaper or watching a sports game on TV, occasionally glancing over with mild amusement at our cleaning frenzy.

As a child, I didn't give much thought to the imbalance in chores. I accepted it as a part of life, almost normal. But as I grew older and gained a more nuanced understanding of gender dynamics, I began to question why my mom bore the brunt of the household duties Fast forward to my college years, and I found myself in a similar situation with my roommate. We currently share a small dorm, and although we started with good intentions of splitting chores equally, it didn't take long for the scales to tip. I found myself taking on more and more of the household responsibilities, not out of obligation but rather to maintain the cleanliness and order I craved.

Reflecting on this personal anecdote along with the classroom discussion, it becomes evident that the unequal distribution of household chores is an issue that transcends generations and backgrounds. The power of recognizing this inequality and actively working to rectify it is a testament to the progress we can make in dismantling gender biases.

[palomasu]

Black Double Consciousness

In class this week, we dived into DuBois's work, and one idea that really hit close to home was his concept of "double consciousness." It's one of those things that sounded academic at first, but when I learned what it meant, it became painfully personal.

DuBois talked about how black people often see themselves through two lenses. The first lens is how we view ourselves as unique individuals with our own thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. The second lens, though, is the one through which society, especially the white majority, sees us. I was shocked that he coined a term for the one thing I had trouble explaining.

Coming to America, after being raised in a predominantly Black society, was like stepping into a whole new world. There was a heightened awareness of how my actions, my attire, and even my accent could be interpreted. I often scrutinized every social interaction inside and outside of the classroom. In professional settings, I'd use a more standardized American accent, hoping it would make me seem more "professional". In the morning, I would spend hours getting dressed. Not because I enjoyed it, but because I felt it was a necessity- as if I had to wear a suit of armor to shield myself from the preconceived notions and biases that society had about me as a black person. Every outfit, every choice of clothing, became a statement about who I was and who I wanted to be.

To this day, America feels like a place where I have to constantly prove myself, not just as an individual but as a representative of my racial group. Being a black person in a predominantly white institution means always being vigilant about how you come across to others. You have to be mindful of breaking stereotypes, proving yourself, and not falling into the narrow molds society sets for you. I've often observed that my white counterparts typically enjoy the privilege of being seen as individuals. They don't carry the weight of an entire racial group on their shoulders and can express themselves without the fear of their actions being generalized to all white people. It's a level of autonomy and freedom that we black individuals often envy.

This heightened self-awareness can be exhausting. You're driven to be the best version of yourself not just for your sake but also to challenge stereotypes and dispel biases. It's a responsibility that can wear you down over time, and sometimes it feels like you're living two lives simultaneously. We don't have the same leeway to make mistakes or simply be ourselves without being judged.

DuBois's concept of double consciousness isn't just an abstract idea; it's the reality of many black people--a mirror that shows us how far we are from a world where everyone is seen as a unique individual, regardless of their race.

After class, I was so moved after reading DuBois's work that I ordered his book and dove into the archives. One writing that sparked an overflow of emotions from me was a letter he penned to his daughter. It felt like he was talking to me. Read it here:

W.E.B. Dubois’s Magnificent Letter of Advice to His Teenage Daughter

“Be honest, frank and fearless and get some grasp of the real values of life… Read some good, heavy, serious books just for discipline: Take

[palomasu]

To greet, or not to greet?

One of the biggest cultural shocks I had when coming to the US happened during freshman year orientation week. As me and my fellow classmates rustled into a Huntsman classroom, we took our seats and awaited the first speaker for the day. The speaker entered and a quiet hush fell over the room as eager ears listened for them to break the silence. All that was going through my mind was, "when are we were going to say good morning to him?".

In Jamaica, it has been drilled in our brains since Kindergarten that you must always greet your teachers and speakers with a polite "Good morning" or "Good afternoon" as a sign of respect. It was one of the many forms of common courtesy that was deeply ingrained in our culture. I began to wonder if this cultural norm was specific to my school or if it was a broader cultural difference between Jamaica and the United States.

Throughout the orientation week, I noticed that while some students did greet the speakers or professors one on one, it was far less common and seemed optional. Over time, I learned that the United States had its own set of social norms and expectations when it came to greetings. While Americans were generally friendly and approachable, they tended to prioritize informality and efficiency in their interactions. It wasn't that they were being disrespectful; it was just a different way of approaching social situations.

In class this week, I discovered that this was one of the many codes of behavior that exist.

When touching on Elijah Anderson's, Code of the Street, in class, I was brought back to another experience I had when visiting New York over Thanksgiving Break. My friend, a New York native had given me a very strict list of things not to do before going on the subway:

Don't stare at anyone

Don't smile at anyone

Don't make eye contact with anyone

Keep your personal belongings close

Don't sit in the stand-alone seat at the front of a subway carriage

Me, pictured, enchanted by the wonders of 5th Ave.

I remember thinking that this list of "Don'ts" sounded more like a guide to avoiding confrontation rather than simple subway etiquette.

As I navigated the bustling New York City subway system during my visit, I couldn't help but notice that people seemed to be in their own worlds. They were reading books, listening to music with headphones on, or simply lost in thought. The avoidance of eye contact and maintaining a certain level of personal space seemed to be a way of respecting each other's privacy in a crowded and often hectic environment.

It was clear that these unwritten rules, which my friend had emphasized, were part of a social code designed to maintain order and minimize potential conflicts. In a city as diverse and densely populated as New York, where millions of people from different backgrounds and cultures intersect daily, having such a code helped to not only keep social order, but also the subway system running smoothly.

This experience reinforced the idea that cultural norms and codes of behavior can vary widely not only between countries but also within different regions of the same country. Just as I had to adapt to the informal greetings, I also needed to learn the unspoken rules of the subway in New York City. It was a reminder that understanding and respecting these codes were essential for harmonious coexistence in a multicultural society.

As I continued my studies and interactions in the United States, I found myself continually learning and adapting to the subtleties of social norms and expectations in urban areas, recognizing that each community and environment may have its own unique code of conduct.

[palomasu]

Philly: A place for all

In class this week, we delved deep into compositional theory in urbanism and the proponents of it. This theory explores how we, as residents, can foster a profound sense of community within our neighborhoods, no matter if we call a sprawling metropolis or a quaint small town our home. It was a captivating discussion, and it struck a chord with me because I've seen it come to life right here in Philadelphia.

One of the most celebrated examples of this concept here in Philly is the Gayborhood, which I visited two weekends ago on a night out. The contrast between the vibrant display of pride in the Gayborhood and my memories of Jamaica was stark. In the Gayborhood, rainbow flags fluttered proudly from storefronts, and every corner seemed to exude an atmosphere of acceptance and celebration. It was a stark contrast to my experiences in Jamaica, where the LGBTQ+ community faced considerable challenges and discrimination. This experience left me with a mix of emotions: I was grateful for the safe and accepting space it provided, but I was also reminded of the work that still needed to be done globally. The Gayborhood serves as a beacon of hope, a testament to what could be achieved when communities came together to support one another.

Just a few blocks away from the Gayborhood, I've found myself immersed into the bustling atmosphere of Chinatown on the occasional weekend; a place that is living testament to the strength of cultural identity and community bonds. The streets are a sight to behold, adorned with colorful lanterns, and the air carries the tantalizing aroma of authentic Chinese cuisine. It's a place where I've seen both residents and visitors alike experience the rich Chinese culture, fostering a sense of belonging that goes beyond geographical boundaries.

Chinatown, Philadelphia

Venturing beyond Center City, I've had the opportunity to explore the remarkable diversity found in Cedar Park, situated in the heart of West Philly. Here, the African and Caribbean populations have created their own unique enclaves, enriching the cultural mosaic of the region. I've discovered vibrant African/Caribbean markets, heard a medley of languages spoken on the streets, savored the flavors of various cuisines from across the African and Caribbean diaspora, and even had my hair braided at one of the many hair salons. Seeing my Jamaican culture celebrated through the tantalizing aromas of jerk chicken and the lively reggae music playing in the background of a random mart brought a sense of nostalgia and comfort, reminding me that cultural diversity was not only welcomed but embraced in all areas of Philly.

[palomasu]

"I'm from the suburbs."

The concept of 'suburbia' is a new one for me.

As someone raised in Jamaica, you either lived in one of the major cities like Kingston or Montego Bay, or you didn't. Anything outside of these urban centers was commonly referred to as 'country'; you can think of it like a stark urban-rural divide that often defines the Jamaican landscape. These cities, though, are not like American cities. Most residents live in homes or townhomes and the people primarily use public transportation or vehicles to get to places.

Half-Way-Tree in Kingston, Jamaica

It was only when I came to the United States that I discovered the relevance of suburbia. I remember when I first heard it come up in conversation during my freshman year at Penn: "I'm from the suburbs." It was a simple statement, casually dropped into a discussion about hometowns and backgrounds. To many of my American peers, this phrase seemed to carry a certain significance and conveyed more than just a geographical location. It was as if they were sharing a fundamental aspect of their identity, and I couldn't help but be curious about what it meant.

As I delved deeper into these conversations, I realized that "the suburbs" here referred to a distinct way of life, often characterized by well-planned residential neighborhoods, spacious lawns, and a quieter, family-oriented atmosphere compared to the bustling city centers. People who mentioned they were from the suburbs often described their childhoods in terms of tree-lined streets, lawns, cul-de-sacs, and country clubs.

I quickly realized suburbia was not just a geographical location; it was a lifestyle, a set of experiences, a cultural identity, and most importantly, an ideal. In chapter 16 of Crabgrass Frontier, Jackson underscores this ideal: “But the national cultural preference for privacy, for the detached home on its own plot, will not easily be eroded.” His assertion that this preference "will not easily be eroded" is still relevant today, as we can see, from the statement I heard, that the allure of the suburban lifestyle continues.