Surviving “Los Sures”: An anthropological reflection on the Nuyoricans lived experiences in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn and the current urban context of gentrification in New York City

Authors

Victor Vázquez, The University of Texas at El PasoFollow
Ashley McAfee, The University of Texas at El Paso

Publication Date

2021

Publication Name

Revista DECUMANUS

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The following article presents an anthropological and historical reflection on the Puerto Rican inner-city neighborhood better known as “Los Sures” in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York City (NYC). The analysis will explore the contemporary academic discussion regarding the following concepts: poverty, the welfare State, the discourse surrounding welfare recipients’ culture, inner-city living conditions, and the current context of gentrification. Methodologically, the article presents an ethnographic reflection based on fieldwork experiences and interviews conducted on residents of the previous “Los Sures” and still living in NYC. Finally, we present a critical reflection on the poverty, welfare State policy, and shed light on the difficulties faced by Puerto Rican migrants and their struggle to preserve the Puerto Rican legacy in the now NYC and gentrified “Los Sures”.

Volume

7

Issue

7

First Page

86

Last Page

102