Herfkens, Sascha (2023) Markets at the frontline of gentrification. A comparative analysis of the longstanding weekly market and the new upscale market and their function within their gentrifying neighborhoods. Master thesis.
|
Text
Master Thesis Sascha Herfkens S4910532.pdf Download (29MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Weekly open-air food and retail markets fulfill both social and economic roles. They act as public places where a variety of products and food can be purchased and often have a vital social function within the city or the neighborhood. However, traditional markets are under pressure due to changing urban processes such as gentrification and the change in consumer behavior. On the other hand, more niche and specialty markets such as farmers' markets are emerging. These new niche markets are targeted towards newcomers and tourists and focus on organic food and a convivial atmosphere. Their arrival contributes to neighborhood change and triggers a change in the retail sphere that can generate a “symbolic displacement” for long-term residents and users. Although a considerable body of research focuses on retail gentrification and neighborhood change, research on the relationship between gentrification processes and neighborhood change on weekly open-air markets in the Dutch context is missing. This study compares two weekly open-air markets: the longstanding weekly Afrikaandermarkt and the upscale farmer’s market the Rotterdamse Oogst. Both markets lie within changing neighborhoods subject to gentrification processes but operate in very different manners. Data from a survey distributed among market visitors shows that the Afrikaandermarkt primarily serves as a place for weekly grocery shopping, where people from all different nationalities and backgrounds shop. The characteristics of the market visitors fairly correspond to the characteristics of the neighborhood Afrikaanderwijk. The market provides the daily needs of local residents, offers affordable products, and serves as a place for spontaneous social interactions. The Rotterdamse Oogstmarkt primarily serves affluent young native Dutch families who meet up with their friends and family to enjoy the atmosphere at the market. However, the characteristics of the visitors of the Oogstmarkt do not correspond to the characteristics of the residents of the neighborhood Oude Noorden. Mainly, highly educated white young families attend the market. Attracting a homogenous group of people, and offering expensive niche products, the Oogstmarkt can be seen as a “white space” which is disconnected from its context. The market thereby contributes to the symbolic displacement of low-income and minority residents, both culturally and materially, and encourages gentrification processes. Creating a space that is, and is experienced as such, freely accessible to everyone, is therefore highly important. Planners and local leaders should therefore strategize markets within the rest of the urban and retail fabric and emphasize their unrecognized role as a site of social association and inclusion. As neighborhoods change, markets can take a centrally embedded place in the neighborhood and serve as a place for community building and interaction.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Society, Sustainability and Planning (MSc Socio-spatial Planning) |
| Supervisor: | Mawhorter, S.L. |
| Date Deposited: | 31 Jan 2023 13:53 |
| Last Modified: | 31 Jan 2023 13:53 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4109 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |