Understanding Gentrification: Learning Through Field Visits to Amsterdam, Yogyakarta, and Rotterdam

Abstract

Gentrification is now widespread everywhere, changing the liveability, diversity, and equality of cities. As a phenomenon in urban development, it has been researched widely and extensively. The definition of gentrification, however, has recently become more diffuse as it takes on different forms and has different causes and effects in cities everywhere in the world. Gentrification is an irreversible process that may bring development and progress to neighbourhoods, but that may also involve eviction and inequality. This emphasises the need for equipping urban practitioners with an understanding of gentrification and with the ability to recognise the context in which it takes place in their own cities, as a first step to taking possible action, making improvements, and benefitting the liveability of cities and their communities. This chapter analyses a practice-oriented learning method developed for urban practitioners from various backgrounds and primarily Global South countries in an attempt to achieve this. The method was based on David A. Kolb’s experiential learning cycle, in combination with Robert Chambers’ rapid appraisals. Previous applications of the method in Amsterdam (2017) and Yogyakarta (early 2018) were considered, with a more in-depth evaluation of the learning experiences of practitioners in Rotterdam in late 2018. Generally, the method received positive feedback from participating practitioners, as well as useful suggestions for further improvement.