The Power of Chinatown: Searching for Spatial Justice in Los Angeles

Urban Chinatowns are dynamic, contested spaces that have persevered amid changes in the American cityscape. In The Power of Chinatown, Maureen D. Hom provides a critical examination of the politics shaping the trajectory of development in Los Angeles Chinatown, one of the oldest urban Chinatowns in the United States. Hom chronicles how Chinese Americans continue to gravitate to this space despite being a geographically dispersed community and how they have resisted and encouraged processes of gentrification and displacement. The book bridges understandings of community, geography, political economy, and race to show the complexities and contradictions of building community power, illuminating how these place-based ethnic politics might give rise to a more expansive vision of Asian American belonging and a just city for all.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 18 June 2024
Publisher: University of California Press

Urban Chinatowns are vibrant, complex spaces that have endured despite the transformations of American cities. These neighborhoods hold immense significance for a wide range of individuals and groups, including residents and workers who depend on them for their livelihoods, the broader Chinese American community, and political leaders who recognize their cultural heritage and economic value. In her book, The Power of Chinatown, Maureen D. Hom delves into the political dynamics that have shaped the development of Los Angeles Chinatown, one of the oldest urban Chinatowns in the United States. Hom conducts extensive ethnographic fieldwork to explore how Chinese Americans continue to flock to this space, despite being geographically dispersed, and how they have both resisted and facilitated processes of gentrification and displacement.

The Power of Chinatown serves as a critical exploration of the politics that shape the trajectory of development in Los Angeles Chinatown. Hom's work draws from ethnographic fieldwork, providing a rich and nuanced account of the community's experiences. Through her research, Hom chronicles how Chinese Americans have navigated the challenges of gentrification and displacement while also seeking to maintain their cultural identity and community power.

One of the key themes of The Power of Chinatown is the concept of community. Hom argues that Chinatown is not merely a physical space but a vibrant community that is shaped by a shared history, culture, and sense of belonging. She explores how Chinese Americans have created networks and organizations to support each other and advocate for their rights and interests. Hom also examines the ways in which gentrification and displacement have challenged these communities, forcing them to adapt and find new ways to maintain their presence and power.

Another important aspect of The Power of Chinatown is the role of geography in shaping community power. Hom argues that Chinatown is located in a strategic location within Los Angeles, with easy access to public transportation, job opportunities, and cultural institutions. This geographic advantage has allowed Chinese Americans to build a strong sense of community and to establish a presence in the city's political and economic landscape. However, Hom also notes that gentrification and displacement have threatened this geographic advantage, forcing Chinese Americans to consider new strategies for maintaining their community and preserving their cultural heritage.

The Power of Chinatown also explores the complex relationship between community power and political economy. Hom argues that community power is not solely determined by the physical presence of Chinese Americans in Chinatown but also by their economic and social capital. She explores how Chinese Americans have used their economic resources to establish businesses, create jobs, and invest in their community. Hom also examines how gentrification and displacement have impacted these economic opportunities, forcing Chinese Americans to adapt and find new ways to maintain their economic stability and prosperity.

In addition to its examination of community power, The Power of Chinatown also sheds light on the broader Asian American community and its relationship to Chinatown. Hom argues that Chinatown is not a separate entity but is part of a larger Asian American community that includes other ethnic groups and communities. She explores how Chinese Americans have worked to build alliances and partnerships with other Asian American groups to advocate for their shared interests and to challenge systemic racism and discrimination. Hom also examines how gentrification and displacement have impacted these broader Asian American communities, forcing them to consider new strategies for maintaining their identity and preserving their cultural heritage.

Overall, The Power of Chinatown is a groundbreaking work that provides a critical examination of the politics shaping the development of Los Angeles Chinatown. Hom's work bridges understandings of community, geography, political economy, and race to show the complexities and contradictions of building community power. Through her ethnographic fieldwork and thoughtful analysis, Hom offers a more expansive vision of Asian American belonging and a just city for all.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520391215