16.3: Division, Revision and Gentrifcation
Cities, towns, and communities stand the test of time; however, as time pushes forward these communities need their infrastructure and often the local economics rejuvenated. From an economics perspective, this revision and reinvestment makes sense, but from a social standpoint these investments often divide or even displace people and their culture.
Reurbanization
Reurbanization is the process of people moving back into urban areas after a period of suburbanization. It is often driven by factors such as rising housing costs in the suburbs, the desire for a more urban lifestyle, and the availability of jobs and amenities in urban centers.
It is often seen that areas that experience reurbanization are subject to inner-city decline.
Inner-city decline is a term used to describe the process of economic, social, and environmental decline in urban areas. It is often characterized by factors such as:
- Depopulation : Inner cities often experience a loss of population, as residents move to the suburbs or other areas in search of better job opportunities and a higher quality of life.
- Deindustrialization : Inner cities are often home to factories and other industrial businesses. However, many of these businesses have moved to the suburbs or overseas in search of lower labor costs. This has led to a loss of jobs and economic opportunities in inner cities.
- Increased Crime : Inner cities often have higher crime rates than other areas. This can be due to several factors, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunity.
- Dilapidated Housing : Inner cities often have a high concentration of dilapidated housing. This can be due to a lack of investment in housing, as well as the abandonment of homes by residents who can no longer afford to live in them.
- Environmental Degradation : Inner cities are often polluted and have poor air quality. This can be due to several factors, such as industrial pollution, traffic congestion, and the dumping of waste.
Gentrification
Gentrification is the process of renovating and improving a deteriorated urban area by means of private investment, typically to attract middle-class or affluent residents. It is a common and controversial topic in urban politics and planning. Gentrification often increases the economic value of a neighborhood, but the resulting demographic displacement becomes a major social issue. Gentrification often sees a shift in a neighborhood's racial or ethnic composition and average household income as housing and businesses become more expensive and resources that had not been previously accessible are extended and improved.
It is important to note that the impacts of gentrification can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. The specific impacts of gentrification will depend on several factors, such as the demographics of the neighborhood, the pace of gentrification, and the policies and practices of local governments.