According to Emile Durkheim, the division of labor brought societies together and began the gradual change from mechanic to organic solidarity. Organic solidarity is the basic cohesion for more advanced societies; integrated groups specialize and rely on each other to fulfill needs. As this differentiation increases, density increases and contributes back to the division of labor - creating a cycle. In The Blackwell City Reader, Ernest Burgess describes, "Interrelated with this economic division of labor is a corresponding division of social classes and into cultural and recreational groups" (342).
Based on this thought, I decided to explore one of the most popular and well known areas of Los Angeles - Beverly Hills. Beverly Hills seems to have a culture of itself, acting as a homogenous city of social class and wealth. It reminds me of the topic of stratification, as if the city itself is an undifferentiated centralized area of power. Over time, maybe this power will again create differentiation based on Durkheim's idea - due to the increase in density and demand for land. (ex. Watts - used to be affluent area over 100 years but no longer is)
I used Simply Maps to further ameliorate my idea - Beverly Hills is shown to have the highest income (similar to Bel Air Area), lowest crime rate, most luxury items sold, and a significant white population.
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| Crime Rate Lowest in Beverly Hills Area |
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| Family Income Highest in Beverly Hills Area |
Driving to Beverly Hills, I observed wider well-maintained streets, large sidewalks, attractive landscaping, upscale restaurants and stores, and overall a safe atmosphere. I walked a few blocks around Beverly Blvd - looked at expensive boutiques, bought macarons from Lette, and ate lunch at Urthe Cafe. Although the area allows easy pedestrian access for shopping and eating, this quality and atmosphere comes at no low cost. Parking was scarce (restricted by 'permit only' or metered spaces) and food was upscale and expensive. I paid $1.70 per macaron at Lette, and a total of $19.70 for a salmon bagel and tea latte at Urthe Cafe. Simply glancing at the name 'macarons' or 'salmon platter' hints that these items are not your typical lunch, especially the way they are perfectly plated/packaged and presented to the consumer. Although the food was tasty, specialized pastry shops such as Lette would not survive in other cities - and even a cozy cafe such as Urthe would go bankrupt with overpriced portions as well. Not only were the costs of these items high, but no affordable (at least on a college student budget) food could be found. The Beverly Hills community is definitely geared toward the affluent and those who can afford a lifestyle of luxury.
PS - Even the fire hydrants are silver instead of a traditional yellow!
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| Macarons from Lette - $10.50 |
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| Lunch at Urthe Cafe - $20 per person |
Hello Monika,
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think that Beverly hills clearly shows the idea of stratification, its mainly about the power that wealthy brings you. This power can differentiate from Durkheim’s idea of division of labor. There are many cities/communities around the world that are based around this basis. For example, K-town, the place that I went to visit last week. A lot of the power in this community has to do with the power of wealth. You can live in an apartment with 3 families in one room, or have a nice fancy house.
In Beverly Hills, it all comes down down to the luxury that it has. When people around the world hear the name of the city, automatically they start thinking actors and fancy cars. It has its own reputation and it is not a cheap place to eat, shop, and live.
With the new song “Oppa Gangman Style” the region of Kangman, in Seoul Korea, has been said to be like the Beverly Hills of Korea. I find it interesting how we can see how in Seoul, you can see the division of labor. This is something that I wouljd like to ask someone about it or visit one day.
Great post!
-Antonio Figueroa
Hello Monika!
ReplyDeleteI also agree that Beverly Hills is a very stratified area in Los Angeles. They create and enforce so many rules that it makes it almost impossible for someone who is not living in Beverly Hills or has the amount of wealth that residents do, to be in the city without a purpose.
We were discussing in lecture about how in the 4th urban revolution, every major city has their own center. With that being said, I think the center of Beverly Hills in definitely its high end fashion district, also known for the street Rodeo Drive. A person who is not looking to spend money on overpriced food and clothing, such as Monika was describing, would feel completely out of place.
I have personally been to this area of Beverly Hills, and as a college student, I agree with Monika that I could not casually visit Beverly Hills due to the prices being so high. I went to get Sprinkles cupcakes, which are about $4 each, paid for like 5 minutes of parking and left. And all I can remember doing was starring out my window because I was mesmerized by the luxurious life these residents of Beverly Hills were living.
The restrictions and social rules they have in Beverly Hills make it so only those who can afford this life can live there. Even all apartment buildings have valet parking, most homes are covered by trees and are gated, and streets all have parking signs with "Permit Only" so public parking is no where to be found. All these social rules and city regulations definitely separates residents of Beverly Hills from others who are simply not living the luxurious life that they do. It simply amazes me how stratified cities have become, but I now understand what happened during the 4th Urban Revolution.
Silver fire hydrants are ridiculous! That was probably the first thing I noticed when I passed by Beverly Hills.