Not welcome in Miami: An Interdisciplinary Inquiry Into Responding To The Effects Of Gentrification In Miami

Abstract

Miami is subject to gentrification due to urbanization and rising sea-levels, ultimately causing the forced displacement of many citizens in impoverished neighbourhoods. This research asks the question: how should the actors involved with gentrification in Miami respond to its effects? It attempts to answer this by creating a comprehensive understanding of the situation in Miami using an interdisciplinary approach. This involves two literary studies from the perspectives of organizational sciences (on the local government's policy on affordable housing) and moral philosophy (on the morally right conduct of the actors involved from a utilitarian perspective). It also involves the integration of these results, which firstly shows that the process of gentrification is influenced by the involved actors' agency and interests, and consequently maps these elements. Second, it displays a radical discrepancy between the importance of the original residents' interests and their agency. Third, it shows how limiting agency of beneficiary actors and new residents can also limit the negative effects of gentrification for the original residents. Lastly, it shows how policy that improves the affordable housing situation in Miami can be equal to moral action.