Urban Elite Theory Essay -- Development, Politics, Vancouver

Theoretical LensesI. Urban Elite TheoryUrban elite theory ordain provide students with a supposititious lens by which to understand the redevelopment projects initiated in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver during the lead-up to the 2010 Olympic Games. Urban elite theory extends the scope of classical elite theory by adding that a metropolis is divided by its physical districts based on class distinctions (Darity et. al., 2008). The presence and power of elites, however, is not seen as entirely invalidating according to this theoretical perspective. Instead, the collusion of elites is necessary for stability and efficiency within a political system. If urban elite theory were to be applied to the Vancouver case, unity hypothesis would be that urban elites participate in development projects in order to maximize their political power and consolidate their involvement within reliable communities. A successful gentrification project redevelops an area through the collaboration o f political and business elites. Such a project would provide housing that caters to young professionals who will so...