2019 Urban Research Award: Congregations in Contested Space: Gentrification and Latinx Churches in East Boston

PI: Jonathan Calvillo, PhD; Assistant Professor, Sociology of Religion, School of Theology

Boston, like many U.S. cities, is currently experiencing elevated levels of gentrification adversely affecting working class people of color. The manner in which churches are affected by gentrification is particularly important as churches often provide valuable resources within working class communities of color. The investigator hopes to understand how Latinx churches in the East Boston area are responding to gentrification, specifically how churches are engaging with the economic restructuring taking places in their surrounding communities. Finally, Calvillo hopes to make recommendations as to how religious institutions can become more effective advocates for local residents and congregants on issues related to housing, ethnic businesses, and gentrification broadly.

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