Desire for Diversity and Difference in Gentrified Brooklyn. Dialogue between a Planner and a Sociologist

Abstract

This paper combines two ethnographic experiences conducted in two Brooklyn neighborhoods, with the aim to understand the gentrification process: its plural and multidimensional character and the contextual variables. However, coming from different paradigms they are less interested in doing a comparison of their case studies than presenting how different perspectives see and problematize gentrification and urban change in the face of diversity. In this light, the paper discusses the authors’ first-hand experiences and results from the field research as in a sort of dialogue with the academic reader. Reflection on how do they see and problematize gentrification and diversity, the social effects of displacement and the role of planning conclude the paper.