The power struggles associated with the process of gentrification in Chicago: WestTown, 1960-1990
Analysis of the power relationship that exists among the central government, the local government, the capital (businesses), and the civil society
‘Power is the probability that one actor within a social relationship will be in a position to carry out his will despite resistance, regardless of the basis on which this probability rests.’ (Max Weber, 1968)
Urban policies have largely been explained by the interests and power of various actors and groups. Several theories aimed to explain the power relationships that exist among the different actors. These theories have differed in their assessments of how power is distributed and applied and whose interests are reflected in urban policy.
Striving for scientific progress, urbanists have integrated their theories and research findings into normative evaluations dealing with the often conflicting values of democracy and capitalism.
This essay examines the local relationships of power associated with the gentrification process in the community of West Town in Chicago between 1960 and 1990, focuses on the local politics accompanying it; Discussing the process, debates resulting from opposite interests, strategies of the major players involved, and finally, assesses the suitability of the mentioned theories for explaining them.
The essay is divided into two main parts. The first is a brief theoretical introduction and an overview of three different approaches that aim to explain the power relationships: elite theory, pluralism and regime theory. The second part examines the local dialectics of power associated with gentrification in the community of West Town in Chicago. Finally, it illustrates the ability of civil society organizations to oppose the powerful partnership of government and business for such a long time and so effectively.