GENTRIFIERINGENS KONSEKVENSER FÖR BROTTSLIGHET, TRYGGHET OCH SOCIAL SAMMANHÅLLNING - En kriminologisk analys av omvandlingen i stadsdelen Lundby

Abstract

Aims and objectives: This study examines the effects of gentrification on crime, perceived safety and social cohesion. Previous research on the effects of gentrification on crime has provided mixed results. Yet, gentrification is often claimed to be a useful policy to prevent crime and increase safety. The aim of the study is to review extant research in order to develop a deeper understanding of the effects of gentrification and, from this, assess prospects concerning the gentrification process in Lundby, Gothenburg.

Theory and key concepts: Effects of gentrification on crime levels, perceptions of safety and social cohesion are analyzed using a theoretical framework consisting of social disorganization theory, collective efficacy, routine activity theory and the concept of relative deprivation.

Method and data: The empirical material consists of 16 scientific journal articles downloaded from three different scientific web-databases. The articles were retrieved using keywords and sampled through inclusion criteria designed according to the method of systematic literature review. The results were analyzed firstly with regards to scientific quality, and secondly with the study’s theoretical framework.

Results: The results are inconclusive but it is suggested that gentrification is a process and that its effects on crime thus varies over time. In accordance with social disorganization theory and routine activity theory, earlier stages are likely characterized by instability and increased crime and later stages by consolidation and decreased crime levels. The effects on perceived safety seemingly follow the same pattern with later stages providing a higher sense of safety than earlier stages. Social cohesion may also vary over time due to new residents acting as a potential obstacle to social cohesion in earlier stages.