Advanced Introduction to Gentrification

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business and law, expertly written by the world’s leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. Analysing the causes and effects of widespread gentrification, this Advanced Introduction provides an innovative insight into the global debate instigated by this process. Examining the impact of gentrification on lower income groups and other issues, Chris Hamnett discusses research into the socio-economic causes and effects of gentrification in a variety of cities worldwide. Key features include: A detailed examination of both contemporary and historical sources Exploration of the history, geography and development of gentrification and some of its more recent forms Chapters covering a selection of central topics including urban displacement and social class change. Composed of succinct but highly informative chapters, this engaging Advanced Introduction will prove to be an essential read for urban geography, urban studies and planning students as well as scholars with a particular interest in urban sociology and social policy.

‘Like a fine Islay single malt scotch, this volume is a rewarding distillation. It is both a literature review and a compilation of his first-hand observations not only in the UK, but in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, and China. Indeed, this volume might qualify as Professor Hamnett’s magnum opus on the subject. This volume concentrates a sweeping analysis of the gentrification literature in an accessible and readable format. Faculty, as well as students, are likely to find it a compelling desk reference, of value to neophytes as well as grizzled scholars in the social sciences, geography, urban planning, and public policy. Hamnett’s meaty reference list alone is worth the price of this valuable book.’, ‘In this book, Chris Hamnett, a key figure in gentrification studies, offers a succinct yet sophisticated overview of this classical topic which abounds with heated debates and lasting vitality. Situating gentrification in wider urban processes, Hamnett aptly engages with the long-running debates on its causes and explanations, evolution and demographic changes, socio-spatial implications and future trends, with a historical perspective and global outlook. This book is an insightful read for anyone interested in gentrification and broader urban transformations.’, ‘Chris Hamnett, a world authority on gentrification, masterfully illuminates the history and geography of gentrification research. This remarkable book is a lucid introduction to this classic topic as well as an advanced and insightful reflection on cutting-edge issues, heated debates and the future agenda.’, ‘Hamnett’s book on gentrification clarifies and contextualizes a complex, long-lasting and animated debate in academia and beyond. Gentrification will most probably continue to reshape cities in favor of those who can afford its impact and against those who cannot. Is the significance and the global reach of gentrification growing and is its social imprint and spatial form changing? Robust and clear arguments make this book an essential read for urban scholars and students and for anyone interested in the social dimensions of cities.’, ‘Chris Hamnett has long been a central figure in the development of gentrification research. Here he provides a magisterial and lucid overview of a literature that continues to address vital problems for urban scholarship and social policy. That this small book can cover so much of this territory is a tribute to Hamnett’s informed judgment of empirical trends, conceptual arguments and policy consequences.’

Chris Hamnett, Emeritus Professor, Department of Geography, King's College London and Visiting Professor, Department of Urban Planning and Management, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China