Stakeholder Representations of Gentrification in Amsterdam and Berlin: A Marginal Process?

Abstract

In recent years, several studies have highlighted how gentrification strategies are imposed under the discursive umbrella of ‘social mixing’. However, most evidence is based on Anglo-Saxon experiences. This paper sets out to expand the geography of gentrification by looking at the representation of processes and policies of gentrification as put forward by key stakeholders in Nord-Neukölln (Berlin) and Indische Buurt (Amsterdam). It shows that in both contexts, stakeholders and policy documents engage with the concept of gentrification, rather than avoid it. Due to public-policy influence and local criticisms, this engagement differs between both cases. In Nord-Neukölln, the term is heavily contested and policy-makers attempt to refute accusations of gentrification, while in the Indische Buurt, the process is explicitly pursued as a positive policy instrument by policy-makers. Different representations within each case are shown to be influenced by the characteristics of in-moving and out-moving residents; the employed timeframe and the perceived influence of institutions on urban regeneration.

Keywords::

• Gentrification
• urban regeneration
• housing policy
• discourse
• representation
• social mixing

Acknowledgements

This paper is based on an unpublished Master Thesis by the author (University of Amsterdam, 2013). The author thanks Sako Musterd, Wouter van Gent, Willem Boterman, three anonymous referees and the editors of Housing Studies for their valuable comments on previous drafts of this paper. Finally, the author also thanks Andrej Holm for help with the Berlin case. All interpretations and errors are the author's.

Notes

¹ This was discussed with local academics knowledgeable about the neighbourhoods.

² When a stakeholder refused to participate, it was always possible to arrange an interview with a close colleague, often after referral by the initially approached stakeholder.

³ Included are one of the larger, overarching communities closely involved in formulating a community neighbourhood vision (Indische Buurt Community, 2013) and a community that received ample media attention.

⁴ The maximum annual household income was €34 229 in 2013.

⁵ Eric Wiebes and Eric van der Burg, at the time both aldermen representing the local liberal party, argued the large social-rental housing stock is responsible for ‘keeping talent outside the city walls’ (Wiebes & Van der Burg, 2014 [author translation]).