Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Date of Degree

6-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Program

Political Science

Advisor

John Mollenkopf

Subject Categories

Political Science

Keywords

Neighborhood and Community Change, Brooklyn, Sunset Park, Gentrification, Human Ecology

Abstract

Significant demographic changes within New York City’s neighborhoods have served as an impetus for civil strife, community activism, and political debate. While much attention has been dedicated toward the gentrification occurring in Harlem or Williamsburg, emerging trends indicate that the Brooklyn waterfront neighborhood of Sunset Park is also undergoing a shift. Drawing upon the theoretical frameworks of human ecology, the urban growth machine, and gentrification, the paper posits that Sunset Park is a neighborhood in transition. A three pronged quantitative, historical, and qualitative analysis examines major demographic changes in Sunset Park including the increase in Chinese and Mexican ethnic immigrant groups along with the potential early stages of gentrification.

Share

COinS