Geography
How Urban Renewal Projects Reshape Neighborhood Social Networks
Quick fact
Research on Boston's West End in the 1950s and Chicago's public housing transformation shows that residents who were relocated often lost their social support networks permanently, with some older residents developing deep depression—while the new neighborhoods, despite being 'better' physically, could not restore the old community bonds.
Why this is interesting
When a government bulldozes a 'blighted' neighborhood or builds sparkling new apartments, we see the buildings change. But what happens to the web of friendships, help, and trust that existed between the walls?