GENTRIFICATION IS A PROCESS, NOT AN EVENT
A little bit of gentrification can be good for the neighborhood. . . .
This statement suggests that the person expressing this opinion hasn't extensively read about gentrification or divided into its complexities.
That's understandable, as gentrification is a highly intricate phenomenon that hasn't been formally explained to us. In fact, we all try to educate ourselves on this subject through various resources.
The primary reason people have differing views on gentrification is that it resembles a process rather than a single event. Furthermore, we know it's much more difficult to explain processes than events.
Why?
Simply because a process involves multiple events.
A process is a dynamic occurrence, and throughout it, many factors can change, fluctuate, and evolve. During a process, actors may switch roles, subjects may shift meanings, and intentions can alter direction.
To illustrate gentrification as a process, we would like to outline its stages:
1. Marginal stage:
Well-educated but low-income earners, known as the "creative class," rent, share, or renovate city dwellings in areas with low real estate prices.
2. Early stage:
Higher income and cultured professionals move in and renovate to enhance their lifestyle.
3. Discovery stage:
The area is discovered by upper-middle-class, high-income individuals, and developers.
4. Final stage:
Renovated buildings are flipped to maximize profit returns, and the units are marketed to higher-income individuals.
5. Super gentrification:
New luxury apartments are developed.
As you can see, throughout these stages, various aspects can change, and many original intentions may be altered.
Ultimately, we understand this may not make the entire process crystal clear, but it's crucial to remember two things:
- Between these stages, different people may see opportunities, and others may face disadvantages. This doesn't necessarily justify the process.
- Some individuals or actors involved in the early stages of gentrification may end up displaced in the later phases.
If you're interested in exploring the intricacies of gentrification without delving into heavy economic terms, we recommend reading the following book:
Gentrification is Inevitable and Other Lies - by Leslie Kern
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