Gentrification is a process of transformation of urban centers through the change of the social groups that exist there, where the low-income community leaves and residents of the wealthier strata enter.
The phenomenon results from urban revitalization, in which previously abandoned spaces are seen with potential by certain social and economic groups. This causes an increase in the cost of living in the neighborhood, and as a consequence, alienates its traditional residents.
For example, the historic center of a city was in a state of disrepair, with abandoned buildings and few inhabitants, mostly low-income people who have lived there for many years and pay a low rent. For tourist reasons, or even investment by local governments, a process of revitalizing the spaces begins and the neighborhood is valued, attracting tourists and residents with higher income. Rents rise, local trade becomes more expensive, and former residents no longer have the financial means to stay there.
The word gentrification comes from the English gentrification . The English term, in turn, comes from genterise , from Old French, which refers to one that has a gentle, noble origin, with a similar meaning to the word nobleman in Portuguese.
From a critical point of view, gentrification can be a form of urban segregation , by “expelling” its residents 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 city’s West Zone, affecting thousands of families. In order to carry out 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 units for these removals.
Another example in Rio de Janeiro is the Vidigal favela. One of the noblest points of the city, due to its location and view (it is next to Leblon and next to Morro Dois Irmãos), after pacification in 2012 the square meter in Vidigal quickly appreciated.
Many residents take the opportunity to earn money with the arrival of tourists and elites who build luxury houses on the site, while others have had to move to outlying areas due to the increase in rentals.
Sao Paulo
The East Zone of São Paulo was one of the most influenced by gentrification, with the construction of Arena Corinthians and consequent appreciation of the region. Neighborhoods that were typically low-income, and already far from the city center, had their rents elevated and many social groups had to be removed.
Gentrification also occurs in downtown São Paulo, in hitherto dangerous places such as Praça da Sé or Praça da República, which today show revitalized buildings and businesses that attract elites. One of the symbols of this current movement in downtown São Paulo is the Copan Building, which from an abandoned building became a 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 property prices and services in the neighborhood.
- Enhancement of city spaces, with less abandoned areas or at risk.
- New business for the city.
- Amplitude of cultural characteristics, with the arrival of other groups.
- Change in the social profile of residents: traditional communities leave, elites or tourists enter.
- Characterization of neighborhoods and loss of local identity.
