People, Places and Networks

This paper describes the theoretical and empirical usefulness of social network analysis for an understanding of the social and spatial change known as gentrification.

It is based on research in a west London neighbourhood.

As a result of these observations the potential for an expanded use of social network analysis in social geography and urban sociology is outlined.

The paper reveals: an analysis of gentrification must include workplace as well as home and be situated at a city-wide scale rather than being confined to residential neighbourhoods; residence must be treated as a temporal as well as a spatial concept; and the "residence tradition" of social geography is inadequate for a full understanding of social change in cities.

Social network analysis is a method which helps overcome some of the weaknesses of the residence tradition.