The origin of middle class

The word gentrification originated from the English word "gentry", which was a social stratum in medieval Europe, and its social status was second only to that of aristocrats, similar to that of ancient gentlemen in China. The meaning is to point out that people with superior living conditions, better growth environment and higher social status. Sociologist Ruth Glass first used this word in an article in 1964. She described Easton, London as an example as follows:

In London, one poor working-class residential area after another was occupied by the middle class. When the lease of those dilapidated houses expires, they become elegant and expensive mansions ... once the process of gentrification begins, it will only accelerate without hesitation; It was not until all the original migrant workers moved out that the whole community was completely changed.

People with positive views (such as Fannie Mae) believe that the middle class will increase the value of real estate in this area, make it easier for owners to borrow money from financial institutions, enjoy higher rents when renting real estate, and tenants can enjoy a better living environment; Gentleness also attracts first-time home buyers to invest. Since gentrification is usually the result of private investment, it is expected that the number of crimes in this area will be reduced and community groups will be revitalized.

Critics focus on interpersonal relationships and describe in detail that rising rents in this area will cause community disputes among low-income people who can't afford rent. Residents are forced to move out of this area under the influence of various factors, and the original community and interpersonal relationships will collapse and the community characteristics will disappear forever. The same applies to the traditional shops in this area. The so-called reduction in the number of crimes is just an illusion that crimes are exported to other fields, but it has aggravated crimes in other fields.