Effects of gentrification
Living in this gentrification environment is much more difficult for residents. Actually, what they're doing is killing the indigenous culture.
― Peter Kwong
A wise person once remarked, 'change is the only thing that is constant.' Change in the modern city life is very apparent and very rapid. Having said that, change does not necessarily mean that it is a win-win situation every time, does it?
Cocktail Dresses
 |
| Cocktail Dress |
Gentrification is one such type of change that is perceived as good by some, and bad by others. What happens in gentrification? Who benefits, and who faces a loss? Does it harm the original culture? What are its effects, if any? We will analyze the answers to these questions in the following sections of this article.
Albeit very controversial, gentrification is actually an urban-planning concept. In simple terms, we can say that gentrification involves the moving of a wealthier, higher-income class into an existing urban area, which results in higher property rates, higher rent, and a complete change in the original or existing culture of that area. Gentrification is more than often given a negative connotation, as critics feel it causes the displacement of the poorer sections of society in order to make way for the richer ones. However, the truth is that this concept is not as simple as critics as well as advocates make it out to be. It is rather complicated and has both advantages as well as disadvantages.
History of Gentrification
Some experts opine that gentrification is a concept that goes back several centuries. Ancient Rome saw gentrification when majestic old villas and houses were replaced by small shops. The term 'gentrification' was first coined by British sociologist Ruth Glass in 1964. Derived from the old French word genterise, Glass used this term to explain the arrival of the middle-class sections of the population in urban areas that were earlier the home of the lower classes. Gentrification, according to her, resulted in the displacement of the lower classes by the middle class who occupied these areas and reformed them to quite an extent.
Causes of Gentrification
Experts have compiled several important causes of gentrification. While it may not be possible to attribute gentrification to any one single cause, we can definitely say that all the causes mentioned below certainly have played an equally important role.
Increasing Population
This theory tends to explain gentrification as a result of the rapidly increasing population in a country. A rise in the population results in an increased demand for housing, which undoubtedly means that there is an ever-increasing demand for more land. However, land is a limited factor, and the supply of area for housing can never be equal to the demand for it. Hence, it is not possible to create 'new' housing areas for the population, and so it is only practical that the old ones be 'recycled'. Thus, the theory of a rise in the population tries to explain why a newer class comes into an existing urban area and ends up displacing many of the former residents.
Immigration
Renewed interests in city life can be held responsible for massive immigration to the cities looking for jobs. Not only are immigrants from all over the country, but also from all over the world. This increases the property rates in the existing premium urban areas of the city which makes it impossible for the middle-class to afford housing there. Thus, more and more people turn to the existing poorer areas which were previously deemed to be undesirable. These areas are renovated into more upscale neighborhoods, thus causing gentrification.
Low Rents
It is well-known that the level of rent in the pre-gentrified areas is much lower than in the primary areas of the city. Lower rents attracts investment and capital from the wealthier classes which ultimately increases the property value in those neighborhoods. The low rent is also a good reason for investors and developers to invest in those areas, as they can perceive what the potential profits are going to be. So, the rent is a primary reason for attracting residents and investors alike.
Aesthetic Needs
There are people who appreciate the aesthetic factors of the older areas, and choose to move there only for the old architecture and design of those areas. The historical houses and streets in the previously deemed undesirable areas caters to the aesthetic demands of the population, which can be fulfilled thanks to gentrification.
Effects of Gentrification
Like we said earlier, gentrification is not as simple a concept as is claimed by critics and advocates alike. It is not all bad, and nor can it be deemed to be a wonderful concept that is changing society. Like everything else, gentrification too has its share of pros and cons, which will soon become apparent through the next sections.
Positive Effects
More affluent neighborhoods (caused by gentrification) in the city leads to an increase in the tax base of that city. An increased tax base leads to more and better services by the city's administration to all the residents, which, for sure, is a good thing.
Gentrification involves increased economic investment in that neighborhood. This economic investment results in better infrastructural facilities, and ultimately, a better standard of living for the residents.
A dramatic decrease in the crime rates of that neighborhood is said to be a consequence of gentrification.
Gentrification leads to a mixture of people from different classes living in the same neighborhood. This not only leads to a sense of community between residents, but also results in increased social interactions.
Gentrification leads to a rise in the property rates in that neighborhood. This is especially beneficial for those who own property in these areas as they receive higher rents from the new tenants.
Gentrification leads to the refurbishment of the run-down areas and provides better facilities to the public, such as restaurants, upmarket boutiques, and parks, to name a few. This is ultimately beneficial for not only the residents of that neighborhood, but also for the city as a whole.
Negative Effects
The increased rent as well as rise in the property values leads to more number of evictions of the original or previously residing citizens who cannot afford the changed rent.
Redevelopment of old buildings as well as the construction of new buildings, which is one of the aspects of gentrification, leads to the loss of the authenticity of the older buildings, some of which may even have been of great historical importance.
Critics feel that gentrification defeats its own purpose. The reason why a newer community is attracted to the not-so-upscale-neighborhood is its old charm, its uniqueness as compared to the premium city areas. However, with gentrification, neighborhoods become much like the prime city ones―monotonous with not a shred of uniqueness.
Gentrification leads to the displacement of the original residents of that neighborhood. The run-down, inexpensive areas suddenly get a much higher standard of living, which is too much for the lower income classes to handle. Thus, they are left with no option but to move out from these neighborhoods into relatively inexpensive ones where they can afford not only the rent, but also the standard of living.
The local businesses of that area too are affected by gentrification. With the introduction of more upscale and retail businesses in these neighborhoods, the previously existing local merchants face a tough time thanks to increased competition. Eventually, local businesses may go into loss or may move to another neighborhood where the competition is not as tough.
Some experts opine that the arrival of a newer section of the population may lead to the older and original residents to feel excluded, marginalized, or sidelined by the newer ones. Attempts by developers to change the look and feel of the neighborhood may be perceived by the old residents as racist, and this may give rise to hostilities.
Gentrification is also accused of having a negative impact on the existing culture of an area. Before gentrification, there may exist a sense of community between the residents. It is possible that there might be racial majorities living in one area, or co-existence of different ethnic minorities. In any case, there is a set culture that is accepted by the original residents of that neighborhood. With gentrification, all that changes. Different classes and different races may have to exist in the same neighborhood, leading to a social hierarchy.
Cocktail Dresses
Gentrification cannot be labeled a good practice, nor can it be labeled a bad practice in urban planning as it has its share of pros and cons. Gentrification, if undertaken carefully, can result in a much better living atmosphere for the residents of that city. Perhaps developers can help the low-income residents with assistance for affordable and good housing before deciding to refurbish the area.
没有评论:
发表评论