Host Countries as Bridges for Migration and Gentrification: Urban Transformation Through Capital Flows
摘要
This chapter examines the multifaceted role of bridge countries in global migration and the dynamics of urban transformation through gentrification. Bridge countries, such as Portugal, Turkey, South Africa, and Singapore, serve as critical transitional hubs for migrants, providing opportunities to access more desirable destinations while posing unique challenges. These nations offer migrants economic opportunities, skill-building environments, and pathways to larger markets, supported by policies like Portugal’s Golden Visa and Singapore’s Employment Pass. However, migrants often face precarious conditions, including xenophobia, restrictive legal frameworks, and economic barriers, highlighting the fragility of their transitional experiences. The chapter also delves into gentrification, focusing on cities such as Lisbon, London, New York, São Paulo, and Vancouver, which exemplify the transformation of urban spaces driven by economic restructuring, cultural commodification, and policy interventions. While gentrification fosters economic growth and revitalises urban infrastructure, it frequently displaces vulnerable populations and exacerbates socio-spatial inequalities. Examples include Vancouver’s reimagining of Chinatown and Lisbon’s tourism-driven urban policies, which showcase the tension between modernisation and cultural heritage preservation. A comparative analysis of migration and urban redevelopment underscores the dual role of governance in mediating global capital flows and local socioeconomic realities. The chapter emphasises the need for inclusive policies that balance economic aspirations with social equity, ensuring equitable outcomes for both migrants and long-term residents. By addressing the interplay between migration and urban transformation, this chapter provides insights into the challenges and opportunities inherent in navigating globalisation’s socioeconomic complexities.