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: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 16 July 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's work is grounded in extensive ethnographic fieldwork, which allows her to chronicle how Chinese Americans continue to flock to this space, despite being geographically dispersed. She explores how they have both resisted and encouraged processes of gentrification and displacement, shedding light on the complexities and contradictions of building community power.

The Power of Chinatown serves as a valuable bridge between various disciplines, including community studies, geography, political economy, and race. Hom's analysis uncovers the intricacies and complexities of building community power, illuminating how place-based ethnic politics can contribute to a broader vision of Asian American belonging and a just city for all. Through her meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Hom offers a fresh perspective on the dynamics of urban Chinatowns and their role in shaping the American landscape. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of community development, cultural heritage, and the politics of race in contemporary society.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520391222