Gentrification in Focus: A Global Perspective on Urban Change

Through immersive research and global discussions, students in  Gentrification: Urban and Social Inequality at Florence University of Arts explore complex forces shaping cities and the real world impact of urban change

written by Connor McHugh for SPEL: Journalism

Led by sociologist Federica Stagni, Gentrification: Urban and Social Inequality, is a discussion-based class offered at the Florence University of Arts. The course offers an immersive, ethnographic approach to understand the internal and external forces shaping cities across the world. Using a combination of research, lived experiences, and in-person qualitative observations, the course teaches students that gentrification is a multifaceted issue that requires a multifaceted response.

Unlike traditional lecture-based courses, the discussion is centered on interpersonal communication and critical thinking. “Most of the class is talking about our experiences with the topics,” explains Grace Elin, a sociology major from Boston. “We take notes, and there’s a bit of lecture, but the real focus is on hearing different perspectives from where people are from.”

The emphasis on discussion in class allows students to bring their own backgrounds into the classroom, which creates a more layered definition of gentrification that goes beyond the textbook. Stagni, who specializes in urban sociology, ensures that the class extends beyond the often ethnocentric approach of the United States. “Most students already have some knowledge of gentrification in the U.S., so I try to bring in a broader view, especially focusing on Europe and Italy,” she says.

One of the class’s most distinctive elements is its approach to qualitative research. Instead of merely reading about urban transformation, students witness it firsthand. “Today, we are going to Santissima Annunziata to have an ethnographic experience,” Stagni announces to the class. “We’ll observe how tourism and gentrification are impacting historical areas of Florence.” Ethnographic research involves studying people in their environments from a third-person perspective and following up with interviews. By engaging with real people and communities affected by gentrification, students are able to gain a deeper understanding of the forces that are reshaping Florence.

Stagni shares her own story of witnessing gentrification firsthand. She explains to the class how as a child, gathering in squares and plazas around a city was a crucial part of peer development and allowed for kids in the neighborhood to spend safe, quality time with one another. Fast forward to today, and the squares are filled with wide-eyed tourists looking for the best angle for their pictures. Native Italians are now finding it hard to engage with each other in the squares, especially in historical cities like Florence, which was once a crucial part of their culture.

The course explores the origins and evolution of gentrification. It begins with the term’s inception in 1964 by sociologist Ruth Glass, who used it to describe the transformation of working-class London neighborhoods, and then examines its present-day global meaning. Gentrification initially was seen as a process of urban renewal and growth, but has grown into a broader phenomenon that intersects economic policies, real estate speculation, and social displacement.

The discussion covers how gentrification manifests in different regions. From rapid gentrification in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., to grassroots movements in Berlin and Barcelona attempting to stop rent hikes and speculative development.

In Latin America, tourism and foreign investment fuel gentrification in Mexico City and Buenos Aires. In Asia, government-led redevelopment displaces thousands in cities like Shanghai and Mumbai. Africa sees post-colonial urban restructuring and class divisions influencing gentrification in Cape Town and Nairobi. The varying nature of gentrification in these locations makes it clear that the process cannot be viewed as one-size-fits-all.

A recurring discussion in class revolves around whether gentrification must always lead to displacement. “Some scholars argue for a more nuanced approach where mixed-income housing and community engagement can foster inclusive development,” Stagni notes.

Students debate solutions such as rent control policies, land trusts, and affordable housing initiatives aimed at mitigating negative effects. While some cities have implemented regulations to protect residents from being pushed out, others have struggled to balance economic growth with social equity. Climate change and technology also enter the conversation. “Climate gentrification is another issue,” adds Stagni. 

“Wealthier populations are moving into areas less affected by climate change, further pushing out low-income residents,” she says. As rising sea levels and extreme weather reshape migration patterns, cities must grapple with new forms of displacement that extend beyond urban renewal.

For many students, this class is more than an academic requirement—it’s an eye-opening experience. “Back home in Boston, I only thought about gentrification in a local sense,” explains Elin. “But here, I’m seeing how it plays out globally.” The international nature of the class adds another layer of discussion as students from various backgrounds bring in examples from their own cities.

Stagni notes a high level of engagement in the course. “I teach other courses, but in this one, I see a special kind of involvement,” she says. “Students are interested in these contemporary issues, and this class fosters political consciousness about these topics.” By addressing gentrification through a sociological lens, the class encourages students to think critically about urban change and its consequences.

With the combination of its dynamic discussions and immersive research, this class exemplifies the power of education in addressing real-world issues. "We aren’t talking about abstract theories," Stagni emphasizes. "We’re discussing issues that affect people’s lives." As students continue their studies, they leave with not just a greater understanding of the topic, but a deeper awareness of the complexities of urban life and the power structures that shape it.

In a world where cities are constantly evolving, the conversation on gentrification is far from over. But for these students, this class offers a launching point that leads to them to think critically, engage with the world around them, and, perhaps one day, influence urban policies for the better.