The Status Factor in Residential Successions

Abstract

Residential succession is a concept referring to the processes entailed in the displacement of one group and its replacement by another in a residential area. In a large city people seek visible symbols of status, among which are areas of residence. The inhabitants of an area determine its value as a status symbol; in turn, the area gives visible expression to the social status of the people living within it. This connection between personal status and area of residence reflects itself in many aspects of the residential succession cycle. This cycle starts with invasion. People of high status in a minority sometimes invade new areas to demonstrate their social position within the minority. In doing so they give each area they enter a new status among the minority and attract others to it. The established residents in an area may resist invasion by various means and, if the resistance fails, may move from the area in large numbers. Behind both these stages of the residential succession cycle is the anticipa...