Gentrification
ˌdʒɛntrɪfɪˈkeɪʃən
Definitions
The process by which a place, especially part of a city, changes as a result of wealthier people moving in and making it more expensive.
ˌdʒɛntrɪfɪˈkeɪʃən
The process of renovating and improving a house or district so that it conforms to middle-class taste
Gentrification has led to the displacement of many long-term residents.
💡 Simply: Imagine a cool, old neighborhood where artists and working-class families live. Now imagine that fancy stores, cafes, and expensive houses start popping up, and the people who lived there before can no longer afford to live there. That's gentrification! It's like the neighborhood is getting a makeover, but it's not always good for everyone.
👶 For kids: When fancy new buildings and stores move into a neighborhood, and it gets too expensive for some people to stay. It's like when you get a new toy and your friend can't play with it because it's too expensive.
More Examples
The rising cost of living is a direct consequence of gentrification in this area.
Critics argue that gentrification is often a form of social injustice.
How It's Used
"The city council is studying the impacts of gentrification on affordable housing."
"Sociologists analyze gentrification as a complex social phenomenon."
"Economists debate the economic benefits and drawbacks of gentrification."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From 'gentry' (originally referring to people of good social standing, landowners) + '-fication' (a process). Coined in the 1960s by British sociologist Ruth Glass to describe changes in London neighborhoods.
The term 'gentrification' gained prominence in the late 20th century to describe changes in urban areas, initially in the UK and then globally.
Memory tip
Think of 'gentle' + 'fication'. It's the process that gently changes a neighborhood, often making it more expensive.
Word Origin
"'Gentry' refers to people of high social standing, and '-fication' denotes a process or state."