Grindsamhälle: the rise of urban gating and gated housing in Sweden

Abstract

Sweden does not have gated communities, but this paper argues that processes of gating and the associated consequences are apparent in Sweden, particularly in metropolitan regions. Based on interviews, observations and analysis of previous research, the article identifies the rise of urban gating and gated housing. Urban gating restricts access to previously public land through material gating and results in a loss of the right to use-value of urban land. The rise of a new and exclusive form of gated housing associated with the lifestyles of the mobile middle class, referred to here, as the residential hotel, is spotlighted, prompting questions about the concentration of affluence in already privileged areas and the reinforcing effect of gating on existing patterns of socio-spatial polarization.

Keywords:

• Housing choice
• housing privatisation
• planning
• gated communities
• urban gating
• residential hotel

Acknowledgement

The author wishes to thank photographer Sarah Newman for contributing with the photos in the article.