Rethinking the geography of gentrification: From a scale perspective. Issue 118 (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Cheng; Deng, Yu; Song, Weixuan; Gong, Jian; Zeng, Jie
• Is Part Of: Geoforum. Issue 118(2021)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 29
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Comparative urbanism -- Gentrification -- Scale -- Re-scaling -- Resistance -- COVID-19; Geography -- Periodicals; Human geography -- Periodicals; Regional planning -- Periodicals; Sciences de la terre -- Périodiques; Géographie -- Périodiques; Géographie humaine -- Périodiques; Aménagement du territoire -- Périodiques; Earth sciences; Geography; Human geography; Regional planning; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 304.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.geoforum.2020.10.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-7185

Abstract

Highlights: Re-scaling has superior explanatory power for geography of gentrification. Flow is a point of departure and reference for theoretical and comparative study. Re-scaling informs resistance ontologically and epistemologically. Abstract: This article proposes that the lens of scale may potentially yield fresh insights into the comparative research on gentrification. First, the flows of capital, people, and knowledge in re-scaling furnish a point of departure for a holistic theory of planetary gentrification and a vital reference point for comparison. Second, to harness upscaling and downscaling in tandem, comparative studies should adequately connect gentrification with similar regional/local ontologies to obtain greater ontological power. The disadvantaged should take advantage of a loose and shifting alliance among the pro-gentrification forces to find a "real choice" (instead of a "perfect choice") for those affected. Moreover, a pragmatic solution is opprobrium against predatory flows, particularly the flows of capital, whose nature is defined by local peculiarities.