Towards an icon model of gentrification: Global capitalism, policing, and the struggle for iconic spaces in Mexico City

Joshua McDermott

Urban Studies, 2019, vol. 56, issue 16, 3522-3539

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: gentrification; globalisation; Mexico City; place branding; policing; 绅士化; å…¨ç ƒåŒ–; 墨西哥城; åœ°æ–¹å“ ç‰ŒåŒ–; 警务 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:56:y:2019:i:16:p:3522-3539

DOI: 10.1177/0042098018813065

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