How to Counter Argue 5 Common Myths About Gentrification

Not all issues are as simple as people would like them to be, but that's especially true regarding gentrification. A recent Washington Post article is helpful for arming your arguments with evidence in the ongoing debate about gentrification.

1 minute read

June 13, 2016, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Gentrify Occupy

a katz / Shutterstock

"Gentrification is painted alternately as a destroyer of neighborhoods or a savior of cities," according to the premise set by an article by Lance Freeman. "These competing views are driven in part by misconceptions about what the word means and what it entails."

Freeman then sets out to debunk five of what he considers the most common myths about gentrification, all the while citing research and journalism that either perpetuates common misconceptions or proves them wrong.

So for instance, when Freeman tackles the myth of gentrification leading to lower crime, he calls out Mic and a New Orleans Time-Picayune article for spreading misleading information, and a pair of studies as a counter argument to that claim. Other myths included in the article include the displacement effects of gentrification, the opinions about gentrification among long-term residents, the demographic make-up of gentrifiers (i.e., "gentrifiers are white"), and the causes of gentrification. 

Monday, June 13, 2016 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Hot air balloons rise over Downtown Boise with the State Capitol building visible amidst the high rises.

The Five Most-Changed American Cities

A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

April 23, 2025 - GoodMigrations

Aerial view of flooding during Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls

The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.

30 minutes ago - NC Newsline

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.