How to Counter Argue 5 Common Myths About Gentrification

Not all issues are as simple as people would like them to be, but that's especially true regarding gentrification. A recent Washington Post article is helpful for arming your arguments with evidence in the ongoing debate about gentrification.

1 minute read

June 13, 2016, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

a katz / Shutterstock

"Gentrification is painted alternately as a destroyer of neighborhoods or a savior of cities," according to the premise set by an article by Lance Freeman. "These competing views are driven in part by misconceptions about what the word means and what it entails."

Freeman then sets out to debunk five of what he considers the most common myths about gentrification, all the while citing research and journalism that either perpetuates common misconceptions or proves them wrong.

So for instance, when Freeman tackles the myth of gentrification leading to lower crime, he calls out Mic and a New Orleans Time-Picayune article for spreading misleading information, and a pair of studies as a counter argument to that claim. Other myths included in the article include the displacement effects of gentrification, the opinions about gentrification among long-term residents, the demographic make-up of gentrifiers (i.e., "gentrifiers are white"), and the causes of gentrification.

FULL STORY: Five myths about gentrification

Monday, June 13, 2016 in The Washington Post

Community / Economic Development Social / Demographics United States Gentrification Academic Studies

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