Towards an icon model of gentrification: Global capitalism, policing, and the struggle for iconic spaces in Mexico City
McDermott, Joshua
Towards an icon model of gentrification: Global capitalism, policing, and the struggle for iconic spaces in Mexico City - Sage, 2019. - Vol 56, Issue 16, 2019,(3522-3539 p.)
This paper expands upon Leslie Sklair’s concept of ‘iconicity’ to understand gentrification as a ‘glocal’ process wherein elites attempt to brand cities and exclude undesirable populations to attract capital investment. By focusing on the creation, commercialisation, and maintenance (via punitive policing) of iconic architectural and cultural spaces, I attempt to shed light on the economic, cultural, and political practices that have emerged in response to the ripening contradiction between increasing transnational investment in cities and worsening inequality/displacement in urban areas throughout the globe. Utilising this ‘icon model of gentrification’ to investigate ongoing gentrification within Mexico City, I illustrate the usefulness of the model.
gentrification,
globalisation,
Mexico City,
place branding,
policing
Towards an icon model of gentrification: Global capitalism, policing, and the struggle for iconic spaces in Mexico City - Sage, 2019. - Vol 56, Issue 16, 2019,(3522-3539 p.)
This paper expands upon Leslie Sklair’s concept of ‘iconicity’ to understand gentrification as a ‘glocal’ process wherein elites attempt to brand cities and exclude undesirable populations to attract capital investment. By focusing on the creation, commercialisation, and maintenance (via punitive policing) of iconic architectural and cultural spaces, I attempt to shed light on the economic, cultural, and political practices that have emerged in response to the ripening contradiction between increasing transnational investment in cities and worsening inequality/displacement in urban areas throughout the globe. Utilising this ‘icon model of gentrification’ to investigate ongoing gentrification within Mexico City, I illustrate the usefulness of the model.
gentrification,
globalisation,
Mexico City,
place branding,
policing