Question

What is gentrification? Causes and consequences? Is it good or bad? Write about both sides

Answer 1

Answer :-

Gentrification :-

Gentrification is the restoration of run-down urban areas by the middle class (resulting in the displacement of lower-income people).

Gentrification is when wealthier people move into a run down inner city area and regenerate it by improving the quality of the housing stock. This results in wider social changes as the lower income groups are replaced by the higher income groups.

Causes :-

There are various causes of gentrification as listed below ;

1) Small area of housing is improved that neighbours a more attractive area (E.g. Shoreditch in Hackney but neighbours 'City Of')

2) This may cause a local increase in house prices which introduces more affluent residences who equally decide to renovate the property (follows like a chain reaction)

3) New 'trendy' targeted businesses and services often follow such as bars and bistro's, replacing the previous 'greasy spoon' cafes and charity shops.

Consequences of gentrification :-

Consequences of gentrification are, physical displacement, symbolic ownership, physiological outcomes, culture clash, social, commercial and political displacement.

Advantages :-

SOCIAL :- creates a safer environment with lower crime rates, lower rates of unemployment and a general better quality of life

ECONOMIC :- Large amounts of money begins to circulate between the small independent stores, leading to strong economic growth

ECONOMIC :- It has a knock on effect, promoting improvements in the surrounding areas as well.

Disadvantages :-

SOCIAL :- Often tensions are created as the original residents are outpriced or become evicted as landlords sell whilst the value is high. Similarly, often the jobs that are created are not suited to the original population and are too highly skilled, and the service's that are installed do not serve the original population (e.g. bars instead of laundrettes)

ENVIRONMENTAL :- Often reintroduces congestion into the area.