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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
What is gentrification?
The word "gentrification" comes from the English "gentrification", which, in turn, has its roots in the word "gentry" - a term that denoted the British wealthy and influential section of society. In the 60s of the 20th century, the British sociologist Ruth Glass first used this term to describe changes in the social composition of London boroughs. She noted how working-class neighborhoods turned into prestigious zones, where representatives of the middle class moved, displacing the poorer sections of the population.
Gentrification is the process of transformation of urban areas, during which old houses and infrastructure are restored or renewed, leading to a change in the social composition of the population. Usually, this means an increase in the cost of housing and, as a result, displacement of the original residents - people with lower incomes.
What does it look like in practice?
Let's imagine an area where old houses are on the verge of destruction, shops have been operating unchanged for several decades, and residents lead a simple and, at first glance, non-pretentious life. One day, new people begin to come here - entrepreneurs, young specialists, artists. They open cafes with fashionable coffee, shops with vintage clothes, galleries of modern art. Houses are gradually restored, get a new, stylish look. It seems as if the district is coming to life.
But with these changes, rental and real estate prices are beginning to rise. Local residents, who are used to low tariffs, can no longer afford to live here and are forced to move to other areas. The community that has existed here for years is falling apart, giving way to new, more affluent residents.
Pros and cons of gentrification
Like any social phenomenon, gentrification has both its positive and negative sides.
Positive aspects:
- Economic development: areas that were previously neglected receive a second life. This leads to the creation of new jobs, the growth of small businesses and the improvement of infrastructure.
- Improving the quality of life: with the renewal of districts, new parks, cultural institutions, and educational institutions appear, which contributes to the improvement of the general quality of life of residents.
- Increased security: Usually gentrification also leads to lower crime rates in restored areas.
Negative aspects:
- Displacement of indigenous people: One of the main disadvantages of gentrification is that local people who cannot afford to live in expensive neighborhoods are forced to move to other, less prestigious areas.
- Disappearance of authenticity: often, along with gentrification, a neighborhood loses its historical and cultural authenticity, becoming similar to many other places.
- Social Inequality: Gentrification can exacerbate social inequality as the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
Gentrification in Ukraine
To understand gentrification in Ukraine, it is worth turning to our history. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukrainian cities found themselves in conditions of economic and social decline. Factory districts, once hotbeds of industrial production, began to decline, and many homes were left without proper maintenance. However, already in the 2000s, when the economy began to gradually recover, interest in the restoration of old districts began to grow.
One of the first examples of gentrification in Ukraine was Podil in Kyiv. Historically, it was the trade and craft center of the capital, where merchants, artisans, and later - workers and intelligentsia lived. After the 90s, the district experienced a period of decline, but in the early 2000s, Podil became attractive to young entrepreneurs and creative people. New cafes, bars, galleries were opened, and real estate prices began to rise rapidly.
Peculiarities of Ukrainian gentrification
Ukrainian gentrification has its own characteristics that make it different from similar processes in Western countries. First, it often occurs in the absence of clear urban policy and planning. Ukrainian cities usually do not have long-term strategies for the development of individual districts, which leads to uneven development of territories.
Secondly, gentrification in Ukraine is often accompanied by processes of informal development and reconstruction. For example, in many cases, restoration of old buildings takes place without taking into account architectural standards, which leads to the loss of the historical appearance of the districts. Moreover, new buildings often appear on the site of old buildings without proper public discussion or taking into account the needs of local residents.
Thirdly, unlike Western countries, where gentrification is usually accompanied by the development of cultural infrastructure, in Ukraine this process is often limited only to commercialization. Cafes, restaurants, boutiques are displacing small local shops, and housing is becoming inaccessible to most local residents. As a result, gentrification is often perceived as a threat rather than an opportunity for development.
Examples of gentrification in Ukrainian cities
In addition to Podol, gentrification can be observed in other Ukrainian cities. In Lviv, for example, the Pidzamche district, which was an industrial zone, is gradually turning into one of the most popular among young people. Creative spaces, art galleries and modern residential complexes appear here. However, as in the case of Podol, this process is accompanied by an increase in real estate prices and the displacement of local residents.
In Odesa, gentrification affects such areas as Moldavanka and Langeron. These old neighborhoods, which have long remained abandoned, are beginning to attract the attention of developers and young entrepreneurs. But, as in other Ukrainian cities, gentrification here is accompanied by both positive and negative consequences.
Challenges and opportunities
Gentrification in Ukraine is a challenge for local communities and city authorities. On the one hand, it can become a catalyst for economic development, attract investments and make cities more attractive for tourists and new residents. On the other hand, there is a real threat of loss of authenticity of Ukrainian cities and social injustice.
In order for gentrification in Ukraine to bring more benefit than harm, it is important to take into account the experience of other countries and adapt it to our conditions. For example, policies supporting affordable housing for local residents, preserving the historic heritage of districts and developing cultural infrastructure should be implemented.
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