Densification and School Segregation: The Case of Oslo

Abstract

Urban densification has become a desirable development strategy in several cities. In addition to its environmental benefits, densification is also advocated as able to promote conditions for better coexistence and social mix. Studies have shed light on the likelihood of densification affecting residential patterns, but no attention has been paid so far to understanding the possible consequences on school segregation dynamics. As residential and school population composition are strongly intertwined, we argue that densification patterns may be associated with specific dynamics in school segregation. This study may thus pave the way to a better understanding of an understudied relationship. Using Oslo as a case study, we investigate how urban densification, here implemented through a neoliberal planning approach, can be associated with different forms of gentrification and new social divisions that are somewhat mirrored in the school segregation patterns of the city.

Inequalities and Injustices of Urban Green Regeneration: Applying the Conflict Analysis Perspective

“…It is not the greening itself that represents the problem, but the capitalist/market exploitation logics behind it. This underlines what recent gentrification studies say, that we have to look at the mechanisms behind the processes that we see and that increase exclusionary pressure on lower-income people, e.g., [46] (p. 73, 59). Green gentrification conflicts thus also show malfunctions of green regeneration policies as they are practiced under the given conditions, or at least reveal how the effects of those policies can be 'foiled' by changing housing market conditions in growing cities.…”

It’s not about compact cities

“…However, Burton (2000) simultaneously questioned whether or not the compact city leads to just cities. More recent literature continually notes many negative side effects of compact city developments such as displacement, rising housing prices, and ‘green gentrification’ (Cavicchia and Cucca, 2020; Debrunner et al, 2020; Quastel et al, 2012; Rice et al, 2020).…”

The politics of urban densification in Oslo

“…While urban densification and compact city strategies are viewed as successful in Oslo, especially in reducing car dependence (Næss et al, 2011), research also suggests that these urban strategies may be in conflict with social sustainability (Cavicchia and Cucca, 2020; Schmidt, 2014) and goals for achieving low-carbon urban lifestyles (Holden and Norland, 2005). Since the 1980s, Norway’s regulatory planning system has also shifted towards developer-initiated urban development, where the municipal government has taken on a brokering role through strategic planning while private actors initiate most planning initiatives.…”