Category Archives: Week 5

I certainly don’t know enough about Willets Point to judge whether this ethnic enclave (seems more like a class enclave) is really a leg up for the underclass or a trap that promises subsistence at the expense of upward mobility. … Continue reading →

Portes and Wilson theorize that immigrants, rather than them coming empty handed to the United States, actually came with an entire network of immigrants, which aids in their economic development in the new country. Based on their theory, the network … Continue reading →

The concept of an ethnic enclave is a somewhat tricky idea, one that has led to the development of a number of clashing theories. Some believe that ethnic enclaves provide much needed transitioning areas for immigrants. Others believe that immigrants … Continue reading →

In both articles there is an evident emphasis of the unbearable, filthy conditions in Willets Point, as well as a reference to the mayor’s intention to implement a controversial plan to rehabilitate and improve life in the “iron triangle”. The opposing group, as described by … Continue reading →

Both Sullivan and Guest discuss the positives and negatives of the ethnic enclave theory of Portes and other common community/habitual occurrences. Both look at Chinatown as a specific example and one thing that stood out to me in Sullivan’s was … Continue reading →

Ethnic enclaves, which at first can appear to be a saving grace for immigrants –  a secure place to work in America, yet remain faithful to their culture – can in fact prove to be a ineffective solution to their … Continue reading →

Although enclaves may result in lower wages amongst immigrants whether it be caused by competition or a poor customer pool, Alejandro Porte’s enclave ethnic theory does pose instances of social and psychological advantages. Individuals who move to America and settle … Continue reading →

I think it is the government’s responsibility to protect all of its citizens so I agree with solutions such as Bloomberg’s plan for Willets Point in Queens to an extent. It is not sanitary or safe to live in the … Continue reading →

Most people would agree that Queens’ Willets Point is not a pretty place. Located alongside Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, it is full of auto repair shops and junkyards, along with the Mets’ Citi Field and the 7 train’s Mets-Willets Point station, … Continue reading →