Understanding Perceptions of Neighborhood Change in Detroit, Michigan: A Qualitative and Archival Examination

Background: Neighborhood change and gentrification are widely studied topics, shown to impact a variety of social domains. The effects of neighborhood change on residents who stay in gentrifying and “revitalizing” areas is an underdeveloped area of study. This is particularly true for the qualitative experiences of Black residents. This study examines how Black residents experience neighborhood change in Detroit, MI, with particular attention to social and community connectedness.

Method: Qualitative and archival methods were used. Ten in depth semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with Black residents living within four zip code areas in Detroit. Zip codes were chosen due to their proximity to Detroit’s urban core and in response to thematic content of conversations with community members regarding migration patterns within and out of the city. Interviews were conducted in person within the communities (e.g., a church community room, activity center, etc.) or via Zoom. Interview domains included: experience living in Detroit; observations of businesses, housing, and neighborhood composition; social networks and social/gathering spaces. Thematic analysis was used to analyze transcript data. After reading and re-reading transcripts, a list of codes was identified. An initial list of themes was then identified, followed by a final list of themes across interviews. Archival methods were used to triangulate qualitative interviews and provide additional context for perception of investment in Detroit. Databases through the Detroit Public Library were primarily used, along with Google searches for other relevant historical databases to review news articles, pictures, and resident accounts of city-based change. Critical Race Theory, place attachment, and sensemaking served as theoretical frames for the study and guided the approach, data collection, and analysis.

Results: Findings illustrated that: 1) variance in perceptions of certain aspects of change (e.g., neighborhood composition, influx of new businesses, increased rent) were present within different age cohorts, 2) changes to social gathering spaces, and accessibility of gathering spaces, because of perceived change was moderate (though with varying described impact on residents) 3) home ownership commonly accompanied views on how changes impacted residents, 4) tension between the benefits and challenges of perceived changes to neighborhoods. Data gathered from archival research provided context related to municipal, city, and otherwise political discourse relating to described changes. Together, qualitative and archival data demonstrated nuanced and at times dichotomous illustrations of the process of community change.

Implications: Findings recenter and democratize knowledge by illuminating the lived realities of Black residents in changing neighborhoods, with direct implications for micro, macro, and mezzo social work practice. Social workers engaged in direct care services are well positioned to promote adequate access to resources despite changing conditions and socioeconomic makeup of cities. Community-based and engaged social workers can promote social connectivity and belonging through ongoing engagement. Finally, data provide direction for municipal and city level policy to reflect the specific needs descried by Black residents (e.g., timeline of safety and beautification measures regardless of change and gentrification status; desire for certain kinds of public gathering spaces, among others).