Construction work driven by gentrification in Harlem
The idea of gentrification does not appear in the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ). The term, however, is often used in the field of architecture and urban planning .
A socioeconomic phenomenon
Gentrification is a process that takes place when an area begins to be populated by citizens of a higher socioeconomic class than the previous inhabitants and the urban space acquires other characteristics through building restorations and new constructions , with which the people who used to live there end up being displaced.
Gentrification thus changes the face of a run-down neighbourhood. The new characteristics of the district lead to an increase in property values and rents, forcing traditional residents to move away and settle in the suburbs. At the same time, the renovated space is now inhabited by individuals with greater purchasing power, who are able to afford the costs and expenses.
The starting point of this phenomenon is the detection of a low-income neighborhood that, despite what it may seem at first glance, hides great potential , as if it were a "diamond in the rough." To exploit such potential, needless to say, a colossal investment of money is necessary, and that is why once the process begins it is almost impossible to stop .
Former residents and local traders can experience a nightmare, even if the attack is silent : there are no struggles like those of an eviction, no threats, but rent increases to levels that are impossible to pay, changes in local regulations that make life difficult for them and, of course, a degree of discrimination that grows to become unbearable.
Tourism and business
In recent years, gentrification has frequently occurred in areas with a high level of tourist potential . These places often see heavy investments in refurbishing buildings and improving public spaces, thereby increasing property prices. This attracts visitors but often harms local residents.
If we forget for a moment the ulterior motives and political interests, tourist cities are often deeply grateful for the influx of foreigners, as it is the main engine of their economy. But gentrification takes advantage of this phenomenon to turn certain areas into artificial places , where residents do not represent the culture but rather present a “more attractive” image, “of a higher level”.
Gentrification also occurs when large chains move in or a shopping mall is built in a neighborhood . These additions, which can increase the value of the site, tend to affect small businesses and mom-and-pop stores.
It happened years ago, it happens today and it will continue to happen: the giants of the market mercilessly crush the smaller ones , and consumers continue to walk without looking to the side. The system accustoms us to accept these abuses as if they were necessary sacrifices to improve, to ascend and evolve. But it is nothing more than a cowardly and twisted act.
A dilapidated house can be a gold mine for gentrification
Accepted neologism
Finally, it should be noted that the Fundación del Español Urgente ( Fundéu BBVA ) considers gentrificación to be a valid neologism to adapt the English word gentrification . Other terms in our language , such as aristocratization or elitization , fail to reflect the nuances of the phenomenon.
In the etymology of the English word we have the idea of "good people, high bourgeoisie" and the suffix -tion , which indicates "action and effect of." That is why we are faced with a process that aims to transform a neighborhood by replacing its inhabitants with others who meet these requirements.