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Loving Diversity/Controlling Diversity: Exploring the Ambivalent Mobilization of Upper-Middle-Class Gentrifiers, South End, Boston

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  • Sylvie Tissot

Abstract

This article centers on a group of upper-middle-class gentrifiers living in a neighborhood in the South End of Boston, and their complex attitude towards diversity. I use data from my fieldwork in the South End, based on ethnographic observation and 77 interviews with residents active in local organizations, such as neighborhood associations. These residents explicitly stress their endorsement of diversity, in terms of class, race, but also sexual orientation, and their commitment to maintaining it. I examine the meaning they give to this principle, the actions they take in its name and the kind of relations they establish with those ‘others’ who embody such diversity. I argue that the gentrifiers' love of diversity, which cannot be reduced to sheer hypocrisy, is intrinsically linked to their capacity to control it, thus shedding light on the changing definition of social distinction in upper-middle-class culture.

Suggested Citation

  • Sylvie Tissot, 2014. "Loving Diversity/Controlling Diversity: Exploring the Ambivalent Mobilization of Upper-Middle-Class Gentrifiers, South End, Boston," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(4), pages 1181-1194, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:ijurrs:v:38:y:2014:i:4:p:1181-1194
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1111/1468-2427.12128
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Emma Jackson & Michaela Benson, 2014. "Neither ‘Deepest, Darkest Peckham’ nor ‘Run-of-the-Mill’ East Dulwich: The Middle Classes and their ‘Others’ in an Inner-London Neighbourhood," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(4), pages 1195-1210, July.
    2. Martine August, 2014. "Negotiating Social Mix in Toronto's First Public Housing Redevelopment: Power, Space and Social Control in Don Mount Court," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(4), pages 1160-1180, July.
    3. Tom Slater, 2006. "The Eviction of Critical Perspectives from Gentrification Research," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(4), pages 737-757, December.
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    1. Emma Jackson & Michaela Benson, 2014. "Neither ‘Deepest, Darkest Peckham’ nor ‘Run-of-the-Mill’ East Dulwich: The Middle Classes and their ‘Others’ in an Inner-London Neighbourhood," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(4), pages 1195-1210, July.
    2. Sandrine Jean, 2016. "Neighbourhood attachment revisited: Middle-class families in the Montreal metropolitan region," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 53(12), pages 2567-2583, September.
    3. Martine August, 2014. "Negotiating Social Mix in Toronto's First Public Housing Redevelopment: Power, Space and Social Control in Don Mount Court," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(4), pages 1160-1180, July.
    4. Emil van Eck & Iris Hagemans & Jan Rath, 2020. "The ambiguity of diversity: Management of ethnic and class transitions in a gentrifying local shopping street," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 57(16), pages 3299-3314, December.
    5. repec:bla:ijurrs:v:38:y:2014:i:4:p:1142-1159 is not listed on IDEAS
    6. Gary Bridge & Tim Butler & Patrick Le Galès, 2014. "Power Relations and Social Mix in Metropolitan Neighbourhoods in North America and Europe: Moving Beyond Gentrification?," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(4), pages 1133-1141, July.
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    9. Melissa Butcher & Luke Dickens, 2016. "Spatial Dislocation and Affective Displacement: Youth Perspectives on Gentrification in London," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(4), pages 800-816, July.

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