Resources and risks in two Latino neighborhoods in New York City

A recent study has shown that residents living in ethnic enclaves report better healthy food availability and lower high-fat food consumption, but worse sense of safety and social cohesion. The current study sought to assess two predominantly Latino New York City neighborhoods in the areas of structural resources (e.g. grocers, parks), cultural resources (e.g. botanicas, hair salons), and risks (e.g. empty lots, bars) through coding at the street level. The authors hypothesized that the ethnic enclave neighborhood would have fewer risks and greater resources than the comparison neighborhood. Ten census tracts in each neighborhood were selected for demographic characteristics based on the 2000 census and 202 streets were randomly selected within these tracts and coded by reliable research assistants. The two neighborhoods did not significantly differ from each other in the average number of risks per street (MD=0.1425, t(200)=0.714, p=n.s.). However, the ethnic enclave neighborhood had a greater average number of structural resources per street (MD=1.004, t(200)=3.142, p=0.002) as well as a greater average number cultural resources per street (MD=0.3814, t(200)=2.066, p=0.04) than the comparison neighborhood. The results suggest that, while living in an ethnic enclave may not reduce risks, it may help residents cope with those risks through an increased number of both structural and cultural resources. These findings support current survey-based research that has illuminated the complex nature of residing within an ethnic enclave. The focus on resources within this work was instrumental, as no difference would have been found if a solely risk-focused approach had been employed.