Gentrification, touristification and social (un)sustainability: a comparative European cities analysis

12 may, 11h-13h CET

Online

Content

This activity focuses on the processes of gentrification and touristification in the inner city and their implications for social (un)sustainability, with particular emphasis on housing rights and urban justice. Using the historic neighbourhood of Mouraria, Lisbon, as a case study, the activity aims to promote critical understanding of contemporary urban transformations and their social impacts. It is organised in two complementary parts that combine theoretical reflection with participatory learning.

The first part consists of a one-hour thematic presentation and discussion addressing key concepts such as gentrification, touristification, social sustainability, and the right to the city, contextualised within the recent urban and housing dynamics of central areas of different European cities. Special attention is given to the role of tourism, short-term rentals, and urban regeneration policies in reshaping neighbourhoods and intensifying displacement pressures on long-term and vulnerable residents.

The second part involves a role-play exercise based on a realistic eviction scenario in Mouraria, in which participants represent different social actors, including municipal housing officials, housing rights associations, tenants, and property owners. Through structured interaction and negotiation, participants develop critical thinking, argumentation, empathy, and civic competences. The role-play highlights the pedagogical value of experiential learning in understanding complex urban conflicts and exploring the possibilities and limitations of policy responses and collective action.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this two-hour session, participants will:

1. Develop a critical understanding of the processes of gentrification and touristification and their implications for social (un)sustainability in inner-city contexts, as U!REKA cities contexts.
2. Examine the relationship between urban transformation, housing rights, and urban justice, with particular attention to vulnerable populations.
3. Analyse the role of tourism, short-term rentals, and urban regeneration policies in shaping contemporary European cities.
4. Engage with the concept of the “right to the city” as a framework for interpreting urban change and social inequalities.
5. Apply theoretical knowledge to a real-world case study (Mouraria, Lisbon) through participatory and experiential learning methods.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the session, participants will be able to:

1. Define and critically discuss key concepts such as gentrification, touristification, social sustainability, and the right to the city.
2. Identify and evaluate the social impacts of urban transformation processes, particularly in relation to displacement and housing precarity.
3. Compare urban dynamics across different European contexts, recognising common patterns and specificities.
4. Apply negotiation, argumentation, and critical thinking skills in a simulated policy and eviction scenario.
5. Reflect on the ethical, social, and political dimensions of housing and urban policy decisions.

Teacher: Luis Mendez

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