Title: Inclusive urban renewal: Housing demolition and gentrification
ABSTRACT: As cities undergo rapid urbanization and economic development globally, slash-and-build gentrification has become a significant phenomenon with profound implications for urban redevelopment. Despite its prevalence, limited research has examined the equity implications of nationally led large-scale reconstruction efforts. This study investigates the relationship between urban housing demolition and gentrification using data from the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey (CLDS) from 2014 to 2018. The findings indicate that individuals residing in communities affected by housing demolition are more likely to have higher education levels and incomes, while those with lower educational attainment and incomes are less likely to remain. Additionally, urban housing demolition improves the built environment but also drives economic displacement, highlighting the mechanisms through which demolition accelerates gentrification. Furthermore, the provision of affordable housing mitigates the impact of urban housing demolition on gentrification. Overall, this study advances the understanding of how demolition-based urban renewal disproportionately benefits high-income and highly educated groups while economically marginalizing vulnerable populations through rising living costs. By addressing the tension between urban regeneration and social equity, this study enriches theories of inclusive community development and underscores the need for more balanced approaches to urban renewal.
Keywords: Housing demolition; Gentrification Right to the city; Affordable housing
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2025.106491
