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Mega-Event: Urban Duality

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The Employment Legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games

Part of the book series: Mega Event Planning ((MEGAEP))

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Abstract

When it comes to Mega-event and urban planning, the main question is whether hosting a ‘hallmark event’ is a ‘chance’ or a ‘disaster’ for cities. A careful examination also reveals a growing and genuine concern among host cities seeking to reconcile the economic lure of Mega-events with popular local priorities of sustainability and social development. Thus, in order to thoroughly understand this debate, first we should dismantle the main advantages (catalysing the urban development, economic growth, image improvement) and disadvantages (gentrification, pricing-out and displacing) of hosting these events for cities and citizens. The literature on ‘planning by hosting a spectacle’ suggests that the Games are increasingly neoliberal in their consequences for host cities; however, they can also play as a high-profile platform for marginalised communities to raise their voice and gain political power.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. HafenCity University Hamburg, Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

    Niloufar Vadiati

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  1. Niloufar Vadiati
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Vadiati, N. (2020). Mega-Event: Urban Duality. In: The Employment Legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games. Mega Event Planning. Palgrave Pivot, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-0598-0_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-0598-0_2

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Pivot, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-15-0597-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-15-0598-0

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

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