gentrification

Definition

The renewal and rebuilding that accompanies the influx of middle class or affluent people into deteriorating areas and often displaces earlier, usually poorer, residents; any example of such a process.

Etymology

From gentry + -ification, after gentrify. Coined by German-born British sociologist Ruth Glass in 1964.

Example Sentences

• "Labour's manifesto contains the wild promise of 'war on the private landlord,' but this may conceal a real determination to use the powers of compulsory purchase to prevent the existing residents of places like North Kensington being driven out by the twin forces of 'gentrification' and development."
• "Who told you to buy a brownstone on my block, in my neighborhood, on my side of the street? Yo, what you wanna live in a Black neighborhood for, anyway? Man, motherfuck gentrification."
• "In particular, the focus is on property value changes and gentrification in Portland that are often attributed to urban growth and containment policies within the state."

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