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Date Permissions Signed

2-1-2012

Date of Award

2012

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Environmental Studies

First Advisor

Mookherjee, Debnath

Second Advisor

Rossiter, David A.

Third Advisor

Medler, Michael J.

Abstract

The city of Seattle, Washington has received widespread acclaim both in popular literature and scientific research for its sustainable development efforts to improve quality of life and economic vitality. As a reflection of overall quality of life, the city frequently appears on lists of "Best Places to Live" and boasts a unique combination of cultural amenities and recreational opportunities. The city is also home to a robust high-technology economy with a highly-educated, professionalized workforce consistent with postindustrial city status. However, Seattle has not always been an attractive place to live as evidenced by notable population decline between 1960 and 1980. During the next twenty years, from 1980 to 2000, the city witnessed an increase in population characterized by residents with higher socioeconomic status and increased social, economic, and cultural capital. This pattern of upward transitioning in the socioeconomic status within neighborhoods is known as gentrification. My research is based on a set of selected indicators to examine neighborhood change in Seattle between 1980 and 2000 to identify gentrification pattern. Data were collected for each of the 568 census block-groups in the city for the period 1980 to 2000. The discerning characteristics of gentrification are revealed using principal components analysis (PCA). Next, cluster analysis is utilized to identify three distinct forms of gentrification - replacement, core redevelopment, and displacement. Finally, a composite index technique is employed to assess the intensity of gentrification phenomena in Seattle. The gentrification trends presented in this research will enhance discussions and offer perspectives on the divergent traits of gentrification occurring in Seattle, Washington.

Type

Text

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25710/0pzz-j543

Publisher

Western Washington University

OCLC Number

785836786

Subject – LCSH

Gentrification--Washington (State)--Seattle--History--20th century; Community development--Washington (State)--Seattle--History--20th century; City planning--Washington (State)--Seattle--History--20th century; Seattle (Wash.)--History--20th century

Geographic Coverage

Seattle (Wash.)

Format

application/pdf

Genre/Form

masters theses

Language

English

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this thesis for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.

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