Neoliberalization, Housing Institutions and Variegated Gentrification: How the 'Third Wave' Broke in Amsterdam

Neil Smith argues that in the last two decades gentrification has become a generalized global urban phenomenon. His theory is at a high level of ion, as it links urban gentrification to globalization, financial capitalism and neoliberalization. With these global processes, all cities have experience...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of urban and regional research 2013-03, Vol.37 (2), p.503-522
Main Author: van Gent, W.P.C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Bgi / Prodig
Capitalism
Gentrification
Global Cities
Globalization
historical institutionalism
homeownership
Housing
housing policy
Housing. Communiting
Human geography
Institutional change
institutions
Neoliberalism
neoliberalization
Netherlands
Public housing
social housing
Urban Areas
Urban geography
urban policy
Urban Renewal
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Neil Smith argues that in the last two decades gentrification has become a generalized global urban phenomenon. His theory is at a high level of ion, as it links urban gentrification to globalization, financial capitalism and neoliberalization. With these global processes, all cities have experienced ‘third wave’ gentrification. The theory, however, leaves little room for variegations of gentrification, apart from characterizing geographical differences as idiosyncrasies or as minor variations. This downplays the role of intervening mechanisms that impinge upon the pursuit and social outcomes of gentrification. This article aims to amend theory by looking at Amsterdam from a historical institutional perspective. In Amsterdam, gentrification was particularly made possible by a process of neoliberalization within the housing system. However, as institutional change is incremental and based on layering and conversion, many older institutional arrangements remain in place. These arrangements tend to slow gentrification and assuage social consequences. Nevertheless, neoliberal modifications to the housing system have been accelerating the pursuit of gentrification. Current policies will very likely lead to exclusionary displacement.
ISSN:0309-1317
1468-2427
DOI:10.1111/j.1468-2427.2012.01155.x