Use Value Versus Exchange Value in Adams Morgan

The commercial sector of Adams Morgan is primarily focused along 18^th Street and Columbia Road. On the former of these two routes, many of these commercial venues are re-purposed rowhouses. In this section of the neighborhood, the additional exchange value brought in by these properties (additional rent generated by renting to commercial, instead of residential, tenants) has clearly overshadowed the use value of those previously living in those buildings.

However, this situation is complicated by the fact that many of these buildings are mixed use. This allows for the remaining residents to have their use values of their homes increase due to the proximity to shops and restaurants.

Mixed use

The central question on the use versus exchange debate (as presented in Logan and Molotch) should be “whose use values are being impacted and to what end?” not “if and why do increases in exchange values always come at the determent of use values?”. For example, a nightclub can increase the use value of a neighborhood for a single person in the 20-30 age group, but can decrease the use value of that neighborhood for a family with children.

Bars, bars everywhere!

As I noted previously, most purely residential structures in Adams Morgan and the surrounding communities are well maintained and public space is respected by the general community. This not increases the exchange value of the residential and commercial property in the neighborhood (because a safe community can command higher real-estate prices) but also increases the use value of the community for the residents, as well maintained buildings inspire a sense of pride in residents, and well maintained public space encourages residents go outdoors.

Well maintained buildings

In this case, the use value is increased for all groups. Those moving into the neighborhood can utilize its commercial and recreational areas, while long time residents can use the strong sense of community brought about by pride in residence to build their social networks.

Throughout the neighborhood, several condominium buildings were advertizing units for sale. While these advertisements did not have prices listed, one can only assume they cater to those of higher incomes who tend to place exchange value over use value. I noticed several Southeby's International reality signs in front of buildings, a general indicator that they command high exchange values.

Typical condominium building

I also examined the cars lining the street. Very few were noticeably high dollar, but many of them were recent models. The majority of them were in very good condition, indicating a high upper class neighborhood.

Most cars are relatively new

Community gatherings can also affect the use value versus exchange value balance. When I was there most recently, the Adams Morgan Pet-A-Palooza was taking place, and the demographic was skewed accordingly, an example of use value benefiting exchange value for a particular group.

In addition, many community establishments serve the needs of minorities. School banners are posted with one side in Spanish and the other in English, for example. This directly contributes to increased use values for members of the community that do not have a thorough understanding of English.

Overall, I feel that use values and exchange values are fairly well balanced for all groups in Adams Morgan, and that they are somewhat reciprocal to each other, with certain aspects of the built environment that increase exchange value also serving to increase use value.