Hidden Dragons: The Revitalizing of Vancouver’s Chinatown From Humanistic Perspectives

Abstract

This article presents a theoretical path for small communities to reverse rising tides of crime and addiction by means of a community reinforcement approach. Vancouver’s Chinatown offers an ideal opportunity for praxis due to the current enthusiasm of city planners in reviving this section of the city. At its highest level, we interpret a community’s revitalization to include progress toward individuation as a collective, accompanied with increased opportunities for self-fulfillment among its residents. Therefore, as a foundation for the suggested community reinforcement approach, we first apply the humanistic theories of Jung as a means to enhance the integration of Chinatown’s collective consciousness. Next, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs serves as a blueprint for the self-actualization of its inhabitants.