Gentrification is a process of transformation of urban centers through the change of social groups existing there, where the low-income community leaves and residents from the wealthier strata enter.
The phenomenon stems from urban revitalization, in which previously abandoned spaces are seen as having potential by certain social and economic groups. This causes an increase in the cost of living in the neighborhood, and consequently, pushes away its traditional residents.
For example, the historic center of a city was in a state of decay, with abandoned buildings and few inhabitants, mostly low-income who have lived there for many years and pay low rent. For reasons of tourism, or even investment by local governments, a process of revitalization of the spaces begins and the neighborhood gains value, attracting tourists and higher-income residents. Rents rise, local businesses become more expensive, and former residents no longer have the financial means to stay there.
The word gentrification comes from English
gentrification. The English term, in turn, comes from genteris, from Old French, which refers to one who has a gentle, noble origin, with a similar meaning to the word gentleman in Portuguese.From a critical point of view, gentrification can be a format of segregation urban, by "evicting" its inhabitants from traditional regions. And from a favorable perspective, gentrification is understood as part of urban revitalization, a phenomenon linked to the post-industrial period in Western society.
Examples of Gentrification in Brazil
Events such as the World Cup and the Olympics were responsible for certain gentrification processes in several Brazilian capitals.
Rio de Janeiro
In Rio de Janeiro, the works for the 2016 Olympics removed several communities in the West Zone of the city, affecting thousands of families. For the construction of the Olympic Park, and other infrastructure works in the region, the groups were transferred to other regions of the city with housing projects destined for these removals.
Another example in Rio de Janeiro is the Vidigal favela. One of the noblest spots in the city, due to its location and view (it is next to Leblon and next to do Morro Dois Irmãos), after pacification in 2012, the square meter in Vidigal quickly became valued.
Many residents take the opportunity to earn money with the arrival of tourists and elites who build houses luxury on-site, while others have had to move to outlying areas due to rising rents.
Sao Paulo
The East Zone of São Paulo was one of those most influenced by gentrification, with the construction of Arena Corinthians and the consequent enhancement of the region. Neighborhoods that were typically low-income, and already far from the city center, had their rents raised and many social groups had to be removed.
In the center of the city of São Paulo, gentrification also takes place, in previously dangerous places such as the Praça da Sé or Praça da República, which today display revitalized buildings and businesses that attract the elites. One of the symbols of this current movement in downtown São Paulo is the Copan Building, which went from an abandoned building to real estate interest.
Consequences of Gentrification
- Removal of low-income communities to the periphery or other cities in the Metropolitan region.
- Real estate speculation and inflation in the prices of real estate and services in the neighborhood.
- Valorization of city spaces, with fewer abandoned areas or areas at risk.
- New businesses for the city.
- Range of cultural characteristics, with the arrival of other groups.
- Change in the social profile of residents: traditional communities leave, elites or tourists enter.
- Decharacterization of neighborhoods and loss of local identity.
See also the meaning of another urban development phenomenon, the Conurbation.
