Making the Middle-class City

This insightful book examines the transformation of Amsterdam into a middle-class city, focusing on gentrification and its social impacts.

In Making the Middle-class City, the author explores the profound urban transformation of Amsterdam over a span of 40 years. This comprehensive examination delves into the social and economic shifts that have accompanied gentrification, revealing how these changes have reshaped the city’s landscape and demographics. The narrative not only highlights the physical alterations within the city but also emphasizes the impact on its residents, particularly those who have been displaced or marginalized by the evolving urban environment.

Furthermore, the book analyzes the intricate electoral dynamics and the role of middle-class politics in facilitating this transformation. By investigating the motivations and actions of various stakeholders, including government officials and community leaders, the author provides a nuanced understanding of how policy decisions have influenced the city’s trajectory. The interplay between economic growth and social equity is a recurring theme, prompting readers to consider the broader implications of urban development.

Ultimately, Making the Middle-class City serves as both a historical account and a critical commentary on the ongoing challenges faced by cities undergoing similar transformations. It invites readers to reflect on the meaning of urban identity and the future of communities in the face of relentless change.