“Gentrification and the Nature of Work”

While looking for articles related to gentrification in Williamsburg, I found an article from a former MHC seminar syllabus in my results, and I knew I had to check it out. I also noticed that some of the readings for this week were by the same author, Winnifred Curran. Curran’s article, “Gentrification and the nature of work: exploring the links in Williamsburg, Brooklyn,” is about how gentrification in Williamsburg was/ is causing obsolescence of blue-collar workers and small businesses. She argues that manufacturing is still an important part of Brooklyn’s economy, and that by replacing small businesses/industrial spaces with new residential areas, we are “encouraging industrial displacement” which leads to the break-down of blue-collar work (Curran, Environment and Planning A 2004, volume 36, 1243).

Much like Curran’s article that we read for class, “In Defense of Old Industrial Spaces: Manufacturing, Creativity and Innovation in Williamsburg, Brooklyn,” the article about the “nature of work” highlights the importance of industrial spaces for Williamsburg locals and workers. However, I find that her article about the “nature of work” fits into a more scientific mindset, which fascinates me. At first glance, her paper looks like a science research paper with figures and a methods section. But, as you read the details, you begin to analyze the social issue of gentrification with a scientific mindset as well (which is why I think sociology is super cool). Curran helps to separate the emotional ties to gentrification that some mainstream media outlets have (either pro or against gentrification) from the facts derived from her collected data. By analyzing gentrification in Williamsburg with a sociological and scientific point of view, Curran is able to tell us that gentrification is hurting blue-collar workers and that industrial spaces are still needed in Brooklyn, whether we like it or not.

Curran, Winnifred. “Gentrification and the nature of work: exploring the links in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.” Environment and Planning A 2004, volume 36, pages 1243 – 1258. Click here for the article