Gentrification

Without knowing it Structural inequalities are all around us in London. So, in what way is it? Well, that’s what I’m here to tell you and show my findings of Gentrification.

If you google Gentrification the definition that pops up is “the buying and renovation of houses and stores in deteriorated urban neighbourhoods by upper- or middle-income families or individuals, raising property values but often displacing low-income families and small businesses.” (Definition of gentrification | Dictionary.com, 2022) This is happening all around us in London but especially in my little part of London, Brixton.

Historically Brixton was a very rough place, many rundown houses and squats surrounded the streets. Post-war migration made Brixton the Caribbean basin. In 1981 There were riots that lasted over 3 days (Friday to Sunday) and was a clash with the people of Brixton and the Metropolitan police. This all began because the police stopped Micheal Bailey who was stabbed and waiting for an ambulance got stopped by police. Later he consequently died. And due to this, the people of Brixton decided to take action for what they knew was right. 

Anyway enough of a history lesson- back to gentrification. 

My friend Sanae who works at Pop Brixton says “People don’t like change, they like their neighbourhood and their friends… Some families work multiple jobs to provide just because all these people have moved here. I would say financially Gentrification is bad for families who have grown up here. But, it is making the area nicer and safer for all.” This is from someone whose family has lived here for many generations and has seen everything from the riots to the gentrification of Brixton Market. From opening in the 1870s Brixton Market has seen a lot of change. From the bombings of WW2 to new vendors it has directly been affected by gentrification. Long term residents have described the market as a formal social hub– booming record shops that had so much Reggae to fruit and veg stalls that meant you could get fresh produce for a reasonable price. Working on minimum wage many people were able to come into the market and get lunch without fearing the need to take out a loan. However, if we look at the market now many big brands have moved in and made the old vendors relocate and drive prices up. An example of this is the big brand Honest Burger- and it docent come cheap. A burger and a drink come in at £17. Someone on their lunch break wanting a quick bite to eat would cost them 2 hours of work. 

Another area of London that is very close to my heart is Elephant and Castle, this is where I currently study. And this is another area of London that is gentrified. There is currently a regeneration project happening, that is scheduled to take around 15 years. This has involved the ripping down of the old Elephant and Castle shopping centre and workplaces to make room for several tower blocks- some that have already appeared. Some rooms are priced at £1Million. Councils have claimed that this Rapid Regeneration has been for the community- this has made people question what community are they thinking of? The families that have been here for so many years? Or, the influx of people with more money than sense? They have offered 36 traders a relocation offer- which is very positive. However more than double have been left with no relocation scheme. They have just left them to fend for themselves.

This links to what we have studied in week 8- Culture Media and Society: The Culture Industries. “As people purchased the objects. they would atomize them. constituting them as the atomized subjects necessary to the reproduction of capitalism.” (Lash, S. and C. Lury. 2007). This quote directly shows and links to gentrification. People would see an advert for this brand-new, safe neighbourhood in the heart of London and be absolutely astounded at how they can access this and that this could be possible. They then consequently move in, creating a higher demand for properties, meaning more and more families, communities and businesses are moved out or relocated. This cycle of “reproduction” (Lash, S. and C. Lury. 2007) Is so damaging to communities. I think that the council and government should work together with communities to regenerate and transform neighbourhoods. Not ruin them.

Some people think that gentrification is a good thing some of their ideas include:

 -Older homes are renovated and made into a more likeable condition for long term residents. 

-Places that were formerly deemed as dodgy or unsafe are made brighter and safer.

-A lower crime rate which is obviously a huge positive for previous residents. 

-New businesses move in and create more careers or career progression for people.

Homeowners especially come out on top in this scenario. A house in the heart of Brixton that has been in the family for multiple generations will have skyrocketed in price. They can then sell the house making a rather large financial gain and move. Contrary to my previous statement gentrification isn’t always just an influx of people moving into neighbourhoods and kicking out previous residents. They can work around and with them to create a better environment for all.

What do you think about gentrification? Can you see it happening in your neighbourhood? Do you think that it’s good or bad? You can leave your opinion below! Thank you so much for reading.