Employment, Feminisation, and Gentrification in London, 1981–93

In this paper the author takes up the debate over the roots of gentrification. It is argued that gentrification is rooted in employment restructuring. The impacts of two important aspects of restructuring in London are explored, casualisation and feminisation of employment, and it is concluded that feminisation of professional employment has as yet had only a marginal impact on gentrification, whereas casualisation of professional employment has been an important influence. Survey data from two London boroughs are presented in support of the argument.