The micro-geographies of studentification

Sage, Joanna (2010) The micro-geographies of studentification. Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers, Washington, United States. 14 - 16 Apr 2010.

Record type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)

Abstract

Adopting a micro-geographical approach, this paper investigates the unfolding processes and impacts of studentification in five case study locations within Brighton and Hove City, UK. Drawing upon empirical findings which demonstrate internal geographic differences between expressions of studentification within Brighton and Hove, it is argued that existing academic conceptualisations of studentification need to be extended. It is contended that the narrow focus of these pre-existing conceptualisations obscure the diversity which is inherent within contemporary manifestations of studentification. A refined conceptualisation of studentification is therefore proposed, which sheds light on its complexities at the neighbourhood scale. It is concluded that relatively large, socio-spatially concentrated student populations and their physical, economic, social and cultural expressions, are fluid, complex, and dynamic both spatially and temporally. In this way, recent debates of the geographies of gentrification, and the resultant emergence of a 'chaotic' contemporary conceptualisation, may have resonance for more fully understanding the complex and diverse geographies of studentification

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