The Evolution of Urban Gay Space. Utility Change and the Role of Gentrification

Abstract

This thesis explores the evolution of urban gay space over the past three decades, and focuses on two particular aspects of this phenomenon.The first research question employs ethnographic research to identify examples of utility changes that have taken place in the case study gay neighbourhood of Chueca in Madrid.Having identified four specific examples of utility change, the second research question addresses the role that gentrification has played in these changes, and the implications that this relationship may have for the future of urban gay space.