This video looks at the renovation of New York’s Times Square during the 1980s. This was a significant example of urban renewal that helped lead the way to the urban renaissance of the 1990s. Sociologists William Kornblum and Terry Williams took part in a large-scale study on the history and future of Times Square. Kornblum published a book of that study, West 42nd Street: The Bright Lights. The Times Square of the 1970s and 80s had been plagued by social problems including crime, pornography, drug dealing and homelessness. Many organizations worked together on an urban renewal project that eventually resulted in the Times Square we see today–a transformed neighborhood and tourist mecca with a variety of brand-name retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment. This video looks at the contribution of applied sociology to that project.
Watch the video and respond to the following prompts. For each of the prompts, try to incorporate one or more specific examples from the video–this is critical. There is no word count for this worksheet, but in order to get the maximum points, you’ll want to be thorough in your responses. This requires more than just a sentence or two for each prompt. Be thoughtful and generous with your explanations and provide details. Number your responses (but don’t include the questions themselves). Write directly into the text box, or cut and paste; (do not attach links or documents please).
What set of questions did the sociologists ask about the renovation of Times Square?
What sorts of methods did the sociologists use in order to study various aspects of Times Square?
What conclusions about the future of Times Square were reached by the researchers?
Do you believe that the renovation of Times Square can be viewed as a success? Why or why not? Was there any downside to the renovation?
