Conference: Neighbourhood Restructuring & Resident Relocation: Context, Choice and Consequence 2010

Over the last decades, the United States and many European countries have witnessed substantial neighbourhood restructuring programs. Many programs involve demolition of public or social housing and new construction of mixed-income housing. This requires forced relocation of residents from dwellings slated for demolition. Research has often been framed in gentrification studies, with displacement as a central concept.
However, the conceptual angle of gentrification appears inappropriate, as many restructuring programs are strongly influenced by activities of the state, federal government or local authorities. Whereas gentrification studies approach displacement as a negative, usually unintended outcome, restructuring and relocation studies treat the desirability and effects of relocation much more openly as potentially positive or negative. Thus, relocation is a more neutral term than displacement.
The question remains if it is better to stay in or move away from deprived areas subject to restructuring. In the latter case, housing vouchers, prioritization in housing allocations or other means may offer relocatees opportunities in the local housing market. The extent to which relocatees can choose their new dwelling is of crucial importance. What are their real options and how do these relate to perceived options and sense of choice? And what is the role of relocation counselling in the framing of choice?

Aim of the conference
The aim is to present and discuss local experiences and research on these matters. We are especially interested in contributions from France, Germany and the Nordic countries.

Visitors profile
Researchers active in the fields of urban restructuring, gentrification and (forced) residential mobility