Urbanization: Global and Historical Perspectives

This flashcard set focuses on key vocabulary terms related to urbanization, gentrification, and socio-economic dynamics discussed in the lecture.

Gentrification

A process of neighborhood change characterized by economic investment and the arrival of higher-income residents, often displacing existing lower-income residents.

Urban Neoliberalism

An ideology prioritizing free markets, private investment, and deregulation in urban governance, often leading to social welfare losses.

Gated Communities

Residential areas restricted by gates and security, which promote exclusivity and social segregation.

Social Mixing

Policies aimed at creating mixed-income communities to combat segregation, often criticized for leading to 'gentrification by stealth'.

Sweat Equity

The increased value of a property gained through the unpaid labor of its occupants.

Class Mobility

The ability for individuals or families to move up or down the social or economic ladder.

Planetary Gentrification

The worldwide spread of gentrification processes, driven by global capital.

Counter Urbanization

The movement of populations from cities to rural areas.

Globalization

The integration of economies, societies, and cultures on a worldwide scale.

Social Reproduction

The activities and institutions that sustain and reproduce the workforce and social orders.

Poor Doors

A controversial design feature in luxury buildings separating low-income tenants from market-rate residents.

Displacement

The process by which existing residents are forced to leave their neighborhoods due to gentrification.

Haussmannization

The transformation of Paris in the 19th century that led to displacement of poor communities.

Rent Gap Theory

The disparity between the current rental value of a property and its potential value after improvement.

Creative Class

A social class that emphasizes creative professions and innovation in urban development.

Anti-Homelessness Laws

Legislation aimed at regulating behaviors that could be perceived as undesirable in public spaces.

Smart Growth

Urban planning strategy promoting dense, walkable communities and reduced reliance on automobiles.

Edge Cities

Suburban areas that develop business, retail, and entertainment centers outside traditional urban environments.

Exopolis

A term describing cities or regions that are situated outside the traditional urban core.

Public-Private Partnerships

Collaborations between government and private sector to finance and deliver services or projects.

Creative Cities

Urban areas that capitalize on culture and creativity for economic development.

Infrastructure

The facilities and structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise, including transportation and utilities.

Urban Entrepreneurialism

The approach where municipalities operate like businesses, focusing on investment attraction and urban branding.

Biometric Surveillance

The use of biometric data to monitor and identify individuals, often criticized for privacy concerns.

Homelessness

The state of having no permanent shelter or home, often exacerbated by urban policies.

Military Urbanism

The incorporation of military concepts into urban life, including surveillance and security measures.

Home Ownership

The state of owning a home, often tied to socioeconomic status and wealth accumulation.

Cultural Consumption

The ways in which culture is utilized and valued by different social groups.

Demographic Shifts

Changes in the composition of a population, often affecting urban development and policy.

Environmental Gentrification

When sustainability initiatives lead to the displacement of lower-income residents in favor of wealthier ones.

Indigenous Urbanism

The practices and processes through which Indigenous peoples assert sovereignty and foster urban life.

Right to the City

The idea that all urban inhabitants should have an equitable say in the production and governance of urban spaces.

Sixties Scoop

The mass removal of Indigenous children from their families in Canada, leading to cultural disconnection.

Urban Reserves

City land allocated as reserves for Indigenous communities, requiring cooperation with municipal governments.

Mobilization

The process of organizing and bringing people together to advocate for social changes.

Collective Rights

The rights of a group to make decisions and govern themselves, often linked to Indigenous communities.

Neoliberal Policies

Economic policies that emphasize deregulation, privatization, and reducing state intervention in the economy.

Ecological Gentrification

The situation where environmental improvements lead to rising property values and displacement of poorer residents.

Aesthetic Concerns

Concerns related to the visual appeal or attractiveness of public spaces.

Community Engagement

The process of involving local communities in decision-making and planning.

Transit Oriented Development

A planning approach that focuses on creating communities centered around public transport systems.

Inequity

The lack of fairness or justice in various aspects of society such as access to resources and opportunities.

Urban Segregation

The division of urban areas into distinct segments based on race, class, or economic status.

Local Governance

The administration of public policy at a local level, including decision-making in urban contexts.

Commuter Culture

The lifestyle and habits of individuals who travel to work from a different location, often affecting urban design.

Public Space

Areas that are open and accessible to all people, reflecting societal values and norms.

Community Development

The process of improving the social, economic, and environmental well-being of communities.

Health Equity

The principle that everyone should have the opportunity to attain their highest level of health.

Participatory Planning

A planning process that actively involves stakeholders in decisions that affect their environment.

Surveillance Technologies

Devices and systems utilized to monitor people and behaviors, often raising privacy concerns.

Employment Precarity

Job insecurity characterized by low wages, lack of benefits, and unstable working conditions.

Civic Engagement

The participation of individuals in activities intended to influence public policy and decision-making.

Urban Resilience

The capacity of urban areas to withstand and recover from adverse challenges.

Affordable Housing

Housing that is reasonably priced for individuals or families, particularly those with low incomes.

Gentrification Displacement

The forced relocation of residents due to rising rents and property values driven by gentrification.

Crisis Policing

The increased presence and use of police forces during times of civil unrest or social upheaval.