New York City is a hustling, bustling paradox. As explained in the first section of this chapter, North American cities were built upon and are constantly influenced by economic forces. While this had led to the creation of thriving American cities, as we know them today, it has also created a huge divide between socioeconomic classes. To further delve into this issue, let us examine the residential makeup of the city over time, as described by the chapter. Major sections of the city were first home to the working class; members of society who took on blue collar jobs that created and maintained the infrastructure of the city. However, as jobs in the city transitioned from being almost entirely blue collar, to having a greater percentage of white collar jobs, more affluent workers started coming into the city and residing there. Of course this also led to the creation of suburbs as technology advanced, as well. As living conditions of the city improved, many neighborhoods gained better reputations. We can still see this occurring today with gentrification. To what extent is the rebuilding of these neighborhoods beneficial? To what extent is it leading to a greater increase in the polarization of New York’s socioeconomic groups? New York seems to be becoming only more of a paradox over time.

It seems to be the case that in today’s housing market, many of those who work in the city can hardly even afford to reside in the here. I find this shift both incredibly interesting and troubling. New York City, which was once a place of residence for the working class people who built this city, is now a place in which the working class can no longer afford to live. The city’s ever-changing character is attributed to its ever-changing residents. However, one thing that won’t change is the city’s incessant need for the labor of the working class. As stated in the chapter, “The city is home to the richest and poorest of North Americans. Some of the worst social problems stand, literally, in the shadow of the proudest cultural achievements” (p. 92). Gentrification plays a huge role in this issue. At what point does improving the city’s neighborhoods lead to destruction of its character? With a city built on economic forces, it is incredibly difficult to accommodate both the richest of the rich, as well as the poorest of the poor. Due to the fact that both socioeconomic classes play huge roles in the city, it seems that New York will maintain its paradoxical nature for years to come.