View/Open - (BORA) - UiB - Universitetet i Bergen

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Abstract
This thesis is focusing on the experience of people that are living in areas going through a
certain change. We have, more specifically, chosen two streets (one in Oslo and one in Berlin)
that have been subject to a transformational process affecting their physical, social and
cultural outlook. This process is called gentrification. Using a qualitatively oriented method
we have taken a closer look into how the agents of these streets are describing the places. This
we have done with a view to how place-attachments find expression. Our approach to this
field of study is operating on two levels, one descriptive and the other comparative. Regarding
the first we will mainly take into consideration how the agents in each street are experiencing
the places, how they are using them and how the places are being ascribed meaning and value.
A main question in this connection will thus be formulated: What kind of qualities belonging
to each street is being put to the fore as valuable in relation to peoples sense of belonging to a
place? This question will however be seen in interaction with the other level of comparison as
this will be found as an own subject of treatment towards the end of the thesis.