In the Face of Gentrification: Case Study of Tehran (Behjatabad Neighborhood

ABSTRACT: During the past several decades, neighborhoods have experienced gentrification phenomenon in a number of cities. Gentrification, the process of neighborhood change that results in the replacement of lower income residents with higher income ones, has altered the character of hundreds of urban neighborhoods in many North American and European cities. In this paper we state how does gentrification take place? Then we look at the causes and consequences of gentrification by reviewing the theories used to explain it and assessing their applicability to Behjatabad neighborhood. The method of research in this paper is based on documental research, observation and deep interview with new and old inhabitants in Behjatabad neighborhood. The results of this research show that gentrification cause displacement of original residents and change in the social and economic character of neighborhood.