Response to Gamm's "Urban Exodus"

I was fascinated by the Gamm article and the transitions that Boston has been through. I was somewhat familiar with the Catholic perspective, but did not know much at all about the Jewish and Black movement. I am especially interested in the idea that different community groups or organizations affect the behavior of their members based on how the institution is set up. Because the Catholic Church is centralized and organized vertically, resources are allocated to specific geographical areas, rather than to a fluid congregation.

I am interested in Gamm's exploration of St. Peter's school, as it does not seem to follow the pattern he outlines in the rest of the article. If migration was so much slower and more disruptive, what has brought about the diversity that the school's enrollment shows, and the need for a bilingual sign displays. St. Peters community has transformed from a homogeneous Irish-Catholic parish to a diverse community who also identify with the parish.

Another idea put forth by Gamm is that social contexts (church or club memberships) shape political ideologies of individuals. I agree with this to some extent, but I associate more with what Robert B Putnam is quoted as saying that the mere existence and activity of community groups fosters a sense of 'trust, cooperation and civic engagement.' I think that this ideology is precisely what the mapping project will examine and foster. People in Somerville may be engaged in some group, but when an individual can see that their group is tied to so many others within the same city, I believe a more significant sense of community and responsibility can develop. For example, if someone is involved with a group, and regularly volunteers there, and they see that that group is connected to another, they may engage themselves in the second groups events or causes.