ONLINE: What is gentrification? Gentrification occurs when wealthier, often white, people move into a neighborhood and displace lower-income people, often Black people and other people of color. Nonetheless, my research indicates that many people struggle to discuss this phenomenon fluently. While many of us know the conventional wisdom about gentrification, understanding the nuances of how racism and classism shape this social pattern can empower us to address it effectively. This discussion-based course will provide students with the tools — including terms, history and data — necessary to understand and respond to ongoing gentrification in Durham. We will cover four topics: an introduction to gentrification, relevant history, contemporary studies of gentrification and an application of this new knowledge to Durham. | Facilitated discussion.
Max enrollment: 24.
Class sessions are recorded.
Madeleine G. Straubel (she/her) is a white Ph.D. candidate in sociology at UNC-Chapel Hill studying race and racism. She earned a B.A. in English from Guilford College and an M.A. in sociology from UNC-CH. Born and raised in Durham, her dissertation research focuses on how Durham residents experience and explain gentrification, racial inequality and themselves. Since May 2020, she has taught sociology courses on race, gender and theory to adult and traditional undergraduate students at UNC-CH.