After reading through the chapter, I came to the conclusion that there were some noticeable negative impacts, however there were some positive or constant factors that were not affected because of the aftermath of the 2008 economic crisis. Some enduring positive factors were that of the altruistic community behaviors and the collective efficacy of some of the same communities that thrived from Sampson's past research. The "aftermath" did cause some mortgage related downturn and crime rates increased as well in certain neighborhoods. Although these results may seem to be counter intuitive Sampson provides supporting qualitative and quantitative data on all of the fronts. He also has provided primary research evidence and also empirical data collected from the PHCDN (Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods).
As a well-versed and extremely intelligent Sociologist, Sampson is much more educated than I to answer his own posed question. After reading his findings and attempting to understand the overall picture he has presented, I will shed light on a few plausible answers to this question. The reasoning presented by Sampson in the neighborhood of Chatham, shows that because of the violence the community banded together to speak out against crime and raise awareness for local non-profit organizations. The higher presence of non-profit organizations throughout the community and the directly related lower areas of crime were very eye-opening correlations that I think might be one of many factors that help piece together this larger question posed by Sampson himself.
Overall, communities stick together because of some core prevalent factors including altruistic character and positive collective efficacy. On top of this though when these parts aren't enough there is another option in which we can turn to be dependent and confident in improving our communities. A district commander from the text said it best, " if we all work together - the police, the community, the elected officials - all of us together... can make a difference."
I'm in agreement with your response to this chapter. Crisis seems to only strengthen the communities that already had the right factors in place. Communities that already had strong social ties, and collective efficacy are the same communities that band together during the hard times. When violence hits these neighborhoods, it helps the community to add to their togetherness.
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