Urban Elite Theory Essay -- Development, Politics, Vancouver

Theoretical LensesI. urban Elite TheoryUrban elite group theory will countenance students with a theoretical lens by which to understand the re culture 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 controvert according to this theoretical perspective. Instead, the collusion of elites is necessary for stability and efficiency at bottom a political system. If urban elite theory were to be apply to the Vancouver case, one hypothesis would be that urban elites participate in development projects in order to maximize their political power and consolidate their stake within certain communities. A successful gentrification project redevelops an area by means of the collaboration of po litical and business elites. Such a project would provide housing that caters to young professionals who will so...