Gentrification

Gentrification is the term that designates the process of socio-spatial segregation experienced in urban areas, characterized by the accentuated appreciation of a certain area, which culminates in the departure of old residents due to the local increase in the cost of living.

How does the gentrification process occur?

The gentrification process occurs through improvements in urban structures , especially in physical infrastructure, but also in the social and economic spheres, affected by the valorization of a certain urban area .

This urban appreciation generates an attraction for new residents to the region , in general with greater purchasing power, and, on the other hand, a repulsion of old residents , who cannot keep up with the increase in the cost of living.

origin

The concept was created by the British sociologist Ruth Glass (1912-1990) to designate the socio-spatial transformations that took place in London from the second half of the 20th century onwards.

The studies produced by the referred researcher analyzed the valorization of former working-class neighborhoods in London , which, through a process of urban reform, attracted new residents from the more affluent classes, while at the same time repelling older residents, traditionally of immigrant and working-class origins.

What are the causes?

The gentrification process is quite complex and is directly linked to the real estate appreciation of an area , with emphasis on the economic and social spheres, aligned with the improvement of urban infrastructure.

In this Communication” in the 1960s. The historical context, the causes of gentrification are:

• carrying out urban reforms;
• increase in real estate speculation;
• investment in urban infrastructure;
• growth in the flow of tourists.

What are the consequences of gentrification?

It is a process that has as its central consequence the socio-spatial segregation of cities , since there is the formation of an area with better structures and greater purchasing power, to the detriment of other areas, notably linked to the popular classes.

Thus, the following are consequences of gentrification:

• spatial segregation in large centers;
• increase in social inequality ;
• growth in the population ‘s cost of living ;
• increase in urban environmental problems .

Criticism

Gentrification is criticized especially for its segregating character , considering that the lower classes, often linked to the history of the construction of certain urban areas, do not have the economic conditions to accompany the process of valorization of these areas.

Therefore, there is a process of spatial and social exclusion, marked by the substantial increase in the cost of living and the consequent repulsion of the population from the most valued areas of the cities , especially towards the peripheral areas.

Gentrification generates wide socio-spatial inequality in urban centers , increasing the social vulnerability of populations, as well as environmental problems in cities, situations ranging from increased violence to traffic congestion.

Gentrification and the environment

Gentrification, like any urban process, impacts the natural environment. The valuation of urban areas often implies uncontrolled urban growth, a scenario that incurs several environmental impacts , such as increased pollution , canalization of rivers , soil impermeability , removal of native vegetation, among others. Thus, in addition to the economic and environmental consequences, gentrification generates environmental problems for cities, increasing the degradation of natural space in large centers .

Possible solutions to gentrification

Gentrification is a process closely linked to the interests of the economic market, both public and private, in valuing certain areas of the city.

In this Communication” in the 1960s. The historical context, the following are possible measures to mitigate this process:

• implementation of inclusive urban planning;
• promotion of popular housing complexes;
• investment in residential housing projects;
• maintenance of public leisure spaces.

Gentrification vs Revitalization

Gentrification is often confused with the term revitalization, as both work with the idea of ​​modernizing urban spaces. However, revitalization is focused only on improving local urban structures , thus not being linked to the process of excluding a population due to the increase in the cost of living. When revitalization is accompanied by a process of social and economic exclusion, based on the repulsion of the local population, it is called gentrification.

Gentrification in the world

Gentrification is a global process that began in a marked way in more developed countries , such as England and the United States, and has more recently reached less developed and emerging nations, such as China and Brazil .

In this Communication” in the 1960s. The historical context, the following are characteristic examples of the gentrification process in the world :

• construction of technology hubs in San Francisco Bay ( United States );
• remodeling of the Barnsbury region after World War II ( England );
• implementation of an underground highway in Boston (United States);
• Urban transformation implemented in the region of Puerto Madero ( Argentina ).