Urban Ethnic Mosaics: an Analysis of Community Perspective in Third Ward, Houston, Texas

Abstract

While many sociological and geographical studies have focused on specific quantitative methodologies to understand the process and development of segregation, relatively little attention has been paid to the role of residential perspectives in urban communities. Additionally, urban, black communities are often burdened by ghetto connotations--the stigmatization of the built environment, and even the residents themselves, with stereotypes concerning socioeconomic status and perceived racial characteristics. The use of both quantitative and qualitative strategies proves to be vital as the methodologies allow for the analysis of internal and external perspectives on neighborhood life in Third Ward. Due to the experiential research conducted, it was revealed that residents were deeply invested in improving their community but were also leery of gentrification and neighborhood fragmentation due to rapid redevelopment. Additionally, many residents expressed concern with the lack of availability of commercial businesses and retail establishments..