Gentrifiers in the post-socialist city? A critical reflection on the dynamics of middle- and upper-class professional groups in Warsaw

Abstract

This article explores changes in residential patterns of middle- and upper-class professionals in Warsaw (considered as potential gentrifiers) during the post-socialist transition and discusses the delimitation of areas where gentrification-type social evolution has taken place. It addresses three research questions: Could the social upgrading seen in Warsaw be labelled as gentrification? What are the mechanisms of change? How have the different socio-professional subgroups that are commonly described as gentrifiers shaped this process? The analysis revealed that only a few areas could be labelled as potentially gentrified. Most social upgrading was due to intergenerational social mobility in situ. The residential choices of potential gentrifiers tended to reflect their attachment to traditionally attractive neighbourhoods and a search for better living conditions, rather than confirmed new consumption patterns and lifestyle. At the urban scale, although potential gentrifiers were attracted by new housing, this was less obvious when analysed at the level of districts. Drawing on gentrification concepts, and the theory of forms of capital (with particular attention given to the specific characteristics of Central Eastern Europe), the multifaceted role of four groups of potential gentrifiers was explored. A group characterised by a high level of economic capital underwent structural changes and significantly expanded into peripheral areas. Specialists working in the arts and culture (typically the pioneers of gentrification) reinforced their presence in several semi-central areas that were originally inhabited by blue-collar workers. Finally, a dynamically developing group of creative professionals appeared as the post-socialist forerunners of social upgrading.