According to a manuscript published in December 2020 in the Journal of Urban Health, gentrification can be defined as “the process in which neighborhoods with low SES experience increased investment and an influx of new residents of higher SES.” Differing perspectives of policy makers, urban planners, sociologists, environmental scientists, economists, residents, and others have led to debates as to whether gentrification is ultimately of net benefit or harm. Although it is associated with increased proximity to material resources, such as green space, recreational facilities and new businesses, income and education may remain a barrier to accessing these resources. Changes often accompanying gentrification (i.e., limited affordable healthy housing, food insecurity from the need to pay high rent on limited income, increased stress, and changes in social networks) may affect certain residents negatively.
Gentrification can bring about improved neighborhood conditions, reduced rates of crime, and property value increases. It also equally can foster negative conditions associated with poorer health outcomes, such as disrupted social networks from residential displacement and increases in stress. While neighborhood environment consistently is implicated in health outcomes research, the authors indicate that gentrification rarely is conceptualized as a public health issue. They posit that as gentrification occurs across the U.S., it is important to understand how this process has an impact on health. Moreover, while aging cities reinvest in the revitalization of communities, empirical research examining relationships between gentrification and health can help inform policy decisions.
More December 2020 - January 2021 TRENDS Articles
SIR ISAAC AND THE WHOLE BIRD
Discusses political polarization and new opportunities to produce bipartisan solutions for physical and mental health problems. Read More
117TH CONGRESS IS UNDERWAY
looks at some major appropriations that were enacted for fiscal year 2021. Read More
HEALTH REFORM DEVELOPMENTS
points out how the incoming Biden administration may undo certain policies of the previous administration and indicates some mechanisms for doing so. Read More
DEVELOPMENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
lists some funding made available by the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and also refers to additional financial assistance provided in a separate coronavirus-relief package. Read More
QUICK STAT (SHORT, TIMELY, AND TOPICAL)
COVID-19 Trends Among Individuals Aged 0-24 Years, United States
Alcohol Consumption, Cardiac Biomarkers, And Risk Of Atrial Fibrillation
Targeting Cartilage EGER Pathway For Osteoarthritis Treatment
Infection Trains The Host For Microbiota-Enhanced Resistance To Pathogens Read More
AVAILABLE RESOURCES ACCESSIBLE ELECTRONICALLY
When Back To School Meets Stay At Home
Equity-Minded Faculty Workloads: What Can And Should Be Done Now
2021 Federal Health Insurance Exchange Weekly Enrollment Read More
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SOCIAL DETERMINANTS
Examines the issue of how personal behavior and social determinants interact to influence health status. Read More
GENTRIFICATION IMPACTS ON HEALTH
Pertains to a discussion regarding whether the gentrification of urban neighborhoods is a net benefit or is harmful. Read More