In her book "The Gentrification of the Mind: Witness to a Lost Imagination," Sarah Schulman explores how gentrified thinking influences societal interactions. This mindset focuses on evaluating individuals based on their utility and what they can provide to others, effectively commodifying personal relationships. It raises questions about the value of people beyond their usefulness in a capitalist framework.

Schulman critiques this transactional approach, highlighting its implications for community dynamics and personal connections. By reducing people to mere assets, this perspective diminishes the richness of human experiences and the depth of interpersonal relationships, ultimately leading to a loss of imagination and connection in society.