Intraracial Conflicts: The Rise of ‘Gentrification of Color’ in Asian Ethnic Enclaves

Author: Jocelyn Jao

Field of Study: Social Sciences

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Wendy Wall

Easel: 71

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: New York City’s Chinatown is not what it used to be. The Asian ethnic enclave experienced a sharp decline in residents between 1990 and 2020 because of gentrification in the area, specifically gentrification of color. Gentrification of color is a recent phenomenon occurring across America where affluent ethnic minority populations gentrify enclaves of their own ethnicity. Scholars have focused on interracial conflicts induced by gentrification, but the consequences of gentrification of color, especially between socio-economic classes, remain unexplored. By analyzing newspaper articles, oral histories, and archival materials, this paper traces the socio-economic effects of gentrification of color in two of New York City’s most prominent Asian ethnic enclaves: Chinatown and Flushing. Among other things, this study finds that gentrification of color displaces lower-income residents while highlighting intraracial class disparities and exposing conflicting interests that are concealed under the notion of ethnic solidarity. It aims to inform future urban planning policies.