‘It used to be very pleasant and then there were also – I hate the word – foreigners’: Mixed and changing feelings about neighbourhood change

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

    Abstract

    The changing composition of the population affects the appreciation and reputation of neighbourhoods. Instudies about social mix and state-led gentrification the focus is often on the effects for the residents and theneighbourhood of the changes caused by the new built dwellings and their residents. In this paper, based on aqualitative case study in a post-World War II district that has been part of a major urban renewal operation, theeffects of the changing inflow of residents in the still existing social rental stock are highlighted in contrast withthe changing population as the result of urban restructuring. The perceived change in the inflow of newresidents in the social rental dwellings is shared by almost everyone, old residents and newcomers, native Dutchand residents that belong to an ethnic minority. All are critical about the occurring concentration of the latter,based on different considerations. In-depth interviews provide insight in the changing feelings of the residents.Loss of respectability and of shared norms and values of how to live in the neighbourhood play an importantrole in the critical stance of a part of the, mostly older Dutch native, residents. Also residents with a migrantbackground criticize the concentration as a negative influence for their integration in Dutch society. Otherresidents relate negative changes more to class than to ethnicity. A negative assessment of the neighbourhoodchange however, does not have to have much impact on the behaviour of these residents and their ‘doing’neighbourhood. The heated debates in society at large – about the Dutch identity and immigration – influencethe way how residents cope with their changed assessment of the neighbourhood and feelings of belonging.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationConference papers of the European Network for Housing Research (ENHR 2018)
    Subtitle of host publicationMore together, more apart: Migration, densification, segregation
    PublisherENHR
    Number of pages16
    Publication statusPublished - 2018
    EventENHR Conference 2018: More together, more apart: Migration, densification, segregation - Uppsala, Sweden
    Duration: 26 Jun 201829 Jun 2018

    Conference

    ConferenceENHR Conference 2018
    Country/TerritorySweden
    CityUppsala
    Period26/06/1829/06/18

    Keywords

    • neighbourhood change
    • ethnic minorities
    • belonging
    • feeling rules
    • social housing

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