How Gentrification and Race Impact Sense of Belonging

Abstract: Gentrification is the influx of rich, often White people and businesses into a neighborhood causing displacement of current residents, and is a crucial concern in many cities across the globe. City planners may laud the potential economic benefits of gentrification, but displacement often threatens established communities with little social power. The present research examines the psychological impact of gentrification on members of marginalized groups. Participants reported their attitudes towards gentrification, then viewed 30 Google Street View images of both gentrified and not gentrified neighborhoods and reported the extent to which they felt like they would belong in each. Participants with positive attitudes towards gentrification reported greater feelings of belonging in gentrified versus non-gentrified places. Additionally, regardless of their attitudes, Latine participants reported lower feelings of belonging, and White participants reported greater feelings of belonging, in gentrified versus non-gentrified areas. Our findings highlight the psychological impact of gentrification on communities that are at risk of displacement.