The Evolution of Neighborhoods
The Evolution of Neighborhoods: An Effective Research for Community Building.
In the intricate web of community building, understanding the historical tapestry of neighborhoods is of the utmost importance. This article aims to underscore the significance of learning the history of neighborhoods before embarking on community engagement initiatives. By unraveling the historical fabric of the places we aim to support, we equip ourselves with the insights needed to forge inclusive and respectful connections with the diverse communities that make up our neighborhoods. This, in turn, lays the groundwork for the development of effective tools and strategies that are presented in our subsequent blog titled "Neighborhood Organizing."
History as Our Guide:
History, as a discipline and guide, serves as a lens through which we can decipher the present communities and neighborhoods' circumstances. In the realm of community development, acknowledging the evolution of neighborhoods is crucial before initiating any engagement actions. This historical understanding enables us to adopt an empathetic approach, not merely stepping into the shoes of communities, but discerning their economic and social challenges with genuine empathy. But first, we must embark on the evolution of Neighborhoods.
The Evolution of Neighborhoods:
Neighborhoods, in their contemporary form, are amalgamations of social settings, residential areas, and walkability. However, the historical journey of neighborhoods has witnessed transformations. Emily Talen, a professor of urbanism at the University of Chicago, has conducted extensive research for her book Neighborhood, and reveals that since 5500 B.E.C., neighborhoods naturally coalesced around face-to-face interactions. Yet, as societies evolved, the concept of the neighborhood has gone through significant shifts, giving rise to segregations and altering the economic dynamics that once sustained independent community bodies.
Even though humans have been gathering around for thousands of years in semi-structured and structured settings, the concept of the neighborhood, as a term, originated in Europe. Neighborhoods initially revolved around citizens gathering at central points, such as plazas and places of worship where people lived and worked in close proximity.
In the United States, the first census was conducted in 1790, marking a significant step in organizing populations within neighborhoods and shaping their statistical characteristics. By the 1700s, cities such as New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles and later Chicago became more defined. However, industrialization in the nineteenth century and the expansion of transportation led to a reconfiguration of neighborhoods, resulting in the loss of their original identity. As families expanded, transportation gave people the opportunity to find jobs even farther from where they lived. It was then that geographical delineations morphed, inducing segregation and exacerbating differences in social demographics.
Subsequently, in the twentieth century, the "neighborhood unit" concept emerged, focusing on an urbanized, structural approach to accommodate industrialized growth and delineate more desirable neighborhoods. Furthermore, the early 1930s brought about redlining, the lending discrimination zones, leaving a lasting impact on neighborhoods. The consequences of these discriminatory practices continue to affect minority groups, perpetuating cycles of poverty and vulnerability.
Scholars, urbanists, and sociologists, recognizing the evolving nature of neighborhoods, debated the shift from face-to-face interactions to a structural complex of urban design. This transition, however, was often more concerned with aesthetics than addressing socio-economic inequalities. Talen's research emphasizes that:
"a neighborhood is not something to be designed; it emerges based on how residents move through the urban realm."
Regardless, the "neighborhood unit" emerged as a response to the industrialized growth in New York City. It focused on the distribution of residents, community services, and street design. Despite being at the center of mid-century disagreements and criticism, the 1960s saw the recognition of civic participation and neighborhood revitalization efforts by the government, leading to the inception of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Nevertheless, in contemporary times, health and safety concerns drive neighborhood improvement projects, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration and engagement.
Moreover, in a global perspective on neighborhoods, Latin America's geographical structures were dictated by Spain during colonial times. The "Law of the Indies" regulated socio-economic and geopolitical structures, shaping neighborhoods around central plazas. However, as cities expanded, these plazas transformed into business districts, surrounded by less-structured settlements resulting from rural-to-urban migration. Neighborhoods were shaped by colonial laws, and today, these reflect a blend of squatter settlements around business districts.
In the United States and abroad, contemporary neighborhood names are often products of developers' strategies to attract buyers, reflecting exclusivity using words like Bay, Vista, or Residential. While modern concepts of neighborhood identity often align with social classes, historical neighborhoods were more diverse in terms of race and finance. The consequences of redlining in the early 1930s, and clearly explained in the book “The Color of Law”, significantly altered this landscape, impacting minority groups and perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Modern Challenges and Collaborative Solutions:
Nowadays, safety and health challenges are some of the main motivators for modern-day neighborhood improvement projects, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration and engagement. Neighborhood councils and coalitions play a vital role in addressing these issues, fostering a synchronicity of collaboration among neighbors. Civic engagement becomes a key driver, and being familiar with community-based organizations and local council districts becomes essential for positive change.
In conclusion
Neighborhoods are dynamic entities shaped by historical, geographical, and socio-economic factors. From the ancient face-to-face interactions to the modern-day challenges of health and safety, to flourishing and vibrant communities, neighborhoods continue to evolve. The interconnectedness of past, present, and future underscores the importance of adapting our approaches based on the evolving needs of our communities. As we navigate these changes, being a good neighbor and contributing to the socio-geographical history of communities remain constant. By recognizing the rich tradition of community and species survival, we ensure that the tapestry of neighborhoods continues to weave a story of resilience, collaboration, and positive change.
In our following blog titled "Neighborhood Organizing," we will discuss the importance of Neighborhood Planning Groups, councils, and coalitions, how these resident-driven entities work, and how they have become the catalyst for increasing the quality of life of our modern-day neighborhoods.
© 2024 Optimal Outcome Strategies LLC
References
‘Neighborhood Boundaries,’ Information Report No.141. https://www.planning.org/pas/reports/report141.htm
United State Census Bureau. (n.d.). Retrieved from Census Tracks: https://www2.census.gov/geo/pdfs/education/CensusTracts.pdf
Latin America Neighborhoods structure. Ford, Larry R. "A New and Improved Model of Latin American City Structure." Geographical Review, vol. 86, no.3, 1996
Talen, E. (2019). Neighborhood. New York: Oxford University.
