Urban Enclaves Issues - Essay Example

The members of the elite enclaves maintain distinctive status. Status can be loosely translated as one's style of life. They also define themselves in terms of class. The class can be defined generally as the comparison of life chances and position in the marketplace (Abrahamson, 20).

Through status and class, the elite enclaves that are made up of the wealthy enjoy many advantages. Through the power of wealth, the elite enclaves can influence decisions regarding their neighborhoods. “Their wealth, contacts, and prestige, and their ability to appeal to preservationist values furnished the elite with the power to institutionally structure arrangements rather than power over any specific group” (Abrahamson, 29).

The power to structure arrangements was exemplified in the early days of the forming of elite neighborhoods. In Beacon Hill, the elite members fought to maintain the Boston Commons, a park across from Beacon Street and other small parks for elite use only. They viewed the working class as “…dirty and unkempt people who had messy picnics in the parks…” (Abrahamson, 25). They felt that these parks would contribute to their genteel lifestyle. Although the working class fought to change the control of the parks, the government most often consisted of members of the elite. Matters were most often resolved in favor of the upper class. The elite enclaves strived to differentiate themselves from the working class.

The concepts of ‘New’ money and ‘Old’ money were ways in which the elite differentiated themselves. ‘Old’ money is money that has been passed down from generation to generation and their lineage is impressed upon others. ‘New’ money is money gained from pursuits such as mining, railroads, and oil, focusing less, if at all, on lineage. It was often frowned upon for those of ‘new’ money and ‘old’ money to intermix and marry. They maintained different lifestyles and lived in different neighborhoods.

Lifestyle and geographic location became important within the elite enclaves. As these enclaves were forming, the higher upon a hill the neighborhoods rested, the higher the status and class of its members. Property values were high due to the financial wealth in these areas. Families from these neighborhoods eventually moved to other more contemporary neighborhoods, like Nob Hill. In later years, elite families matriculated back to their old neighborhoods and fought for parcels of land to ensure that the enclave could continue in its most original form and preserve itself within the social structure.

Since governmental officials were members of the upper class, the elite held sway over all decisions within the local government. Being local law enforcement within the current elite enclaves could be difficult, depending upon officer attitudes and preconceptions of the members within these neighborhoods. It would seem logical that the wealthy within these enclaves would not commit overt crimes against one another. Any crimes such as theft and gun-related incidents would be presumably low in these neighborhoods.  ‘Outsiders’ should be carefully monitored as typically crime becomes a problem when unwanted persons are within an off-limits enclave.

Further suggestions to local law enforcement officials would be the respect for the privacy of the members within this community and an understanding of the prestige its members hold. Privacy is of the utmost importance. In current day standards, the media and paparazzi hound those of elite status, especially those within the entertainment business. If the members in an elite neighborhood are ‘Old’ money, they will demand the utmost respect from all outsiders, especially law enforcement. They will expect a swift response in crisis situations, and will not tolerate insubordination.

Remaining tactful and respectful when conversing with the elite enclave is a must. With wealth comes power. With power comes influence. That influence could determine the continued employment status of a law enforcement official. If proper procedures are not maintained and details are not documented appropriately, situations could become compromising.

In summation, within the elite enclaves resides the power of prestige, lineage, and strong self-preservation. The leave has long been part of the government, holding sway for the upper class and its neighborhoods. Law enforcement officials should maintain an increased awareness of these areas and their members. Law enforcement officials should also be aware of appropriate ways to interact with members of these enclaves.