GENTRIFICATION WITHOUT EXPULSION OR THE HISTORICAL CROSSROADS OF THE LATIN AMERICAN CITY

Abstract

The Gentrification-the taking over residential areas within the city by dwellers of higher socioeconomic classes-in Latin American cities is increasing at great speed. Instead of being seen in centric areas, as is the case of Europe and the US, Latin American gentrification has taken over Urban peripheries and other parts of the cities. Unlike the American Or European experience, it does not necessarily entail the displacement or expulsion of the Original residents in the area. After discussing and redefining gentrification it becomes relevant to Latin American reality. We examine the empirical variants in the case of Chile, making certain that the expulsion of original residents of an area is not inevitable. Finally, we offer thoughts on the implications in practice and in public policy.