Rethinking the geography of gentrification: From a scale perspective

摘要

This article proposes that the lens of scale may potentially yield fresh insights into the comparative research on gentrification. First, the flows of capital, people, and knowledge in re-scaling furnish a point of departure for a holistic theory of planetary gentrification and a vital reference point for comparison. Second, to harness upscaling and downscaling in tandem, comparative studies should adequately connect gentrification with similar regional/local ontologies to obtain greater ontological power. The disadvantaged should take advantage of a loose and shifting alliance among the pro-gentrification forces to find a "real choice" (instead of a "perfect choice") for those affected. Moreover, a pragmatic solution is opprobrium against predatory flows, particularly the flows of capital, whose nature is defined by local peculiarities.