Demographic transition, immigration, gentrification: Unravelling early signs of re‐urbanisation in a European city

Abstract

AbstractAfter long‐lasting suburbanisation, early signs of re‐urbanisation have been recently observed in southern Europe, one of the regions most affected by the 2007‒2008 crisis. With recession, population dynamics have been influenced by multiple drivers, including the increased attractiveness of inner cities, as a result of gentrification, massive immigration and the economic re‐polarisation of central cores with respect to peripheral zones. This study identifies the contribution of different population groups (unmarried and divorced native people, traditional families, non‐native residents) and age groups to medium‐term (2006‒2015) demographic growth (or decline) in 115 districts (historic centre, compact urban area, suburbs) of the municipality of Rome, Italy. Results outline complex and non‐linear population dynamics with growing and declining districts scattered across the urban area. Non‐native people as well as unmarried and divorced native residents increased in the historical city and in suburban areas. Native population decreased in consolidated urban districts, the preferred location of married people. The evidence for re‐urbanisation in Rome is relatively mixed and suggests the importance of processes of social segregation shaping population dynamics. Variations in the spatial distribution of the resident population and its main demographic components reveal recent trends of growth and decline on the metropolitan scale, producing relevant information for policies governing urban expansion.