What Discourses about Gentrification and South London Identity are Constructed in ‘This is Peckham’ Documentary Series?

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ABSTRACT

In particular, the research sought to determine how the documentary “This is Peckham” constructs discourses about gentrification and South London identity. Three different sources of information have been used to get the information needed for this research. The information is gathered from two Shane Duncan documentaries, which are then followed by a tweet analysis of a random selection of tweets from Twitter. Following that, theoretical insights are extracted from the theories of Stuart Hall on representation and comprehension, as well as from the work of different other academics, and applied to discourse analysis. According to the findings, the process of gentrification has been progressing at a quick speed in Peckham, and the people who shared their opinions in two documentaries were found to be supportive of this notion. In contrast, the examination of tweets revealed that not everyone was in favour of the idea of gentrification in the first place. They feel that gentrification can produce conflict in society and amongst people of different cultural backgrounds, which may be counterproductive to the goal of gentrification in the first place. According to the findings of the study, Peckham has been experiencing a significant amount of cultural and environmental change, and it is important to ensure that the advantages are shared with the community. This will aid in the justification of the concept of gentrification, as well as the sharing of values and advantages with people of the community.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The researcher would like to express his gratitude to his supervisor for giving him with valuable insights into the research topic. The supervisor also assisted in the transition to the chosen path by ensuring that the research ideas were effectively learned and comprehended. The researcher would also want to express his gratitude to his family and friends for their assistance and support throughout the research process. In general, the assistance and collaboration of all those who contributed to the finding and discussion of the results and outcomes is highly regarded.

Chapter-1: Introduction

Gentrification can be termed as a process of transformation in the neighbourhoods’ demographics that includes real estate investment and new higher-income inhabitants who move in along with new business and a rise in the educational level or ethnic diversity of inhabitants. Gentrification is something that is inevitable but does not always is welcoming and productive, especially when old culture and community cohesion is wakened because of the inclusion of other communities and people. Therefore, a clear understanding of the impact and process of gentrification through some innovative means is important. This is where the role of this research is important in defining the process of gentrification through the lived experiences of people and through virtual ethnography.

Considering my study topic is a picture documentary on the gentrification project known as gentrification in Peckham, I have chosen an unconventional approach to creating my project. The project is a hybrid project that combines features of both a project and a dissertation in a single package. To begin, I have clearly defined my research question, which will be answered by discourse and interview analysis, which will be conducted through virtual ethnography.

Gentrification is viewed as both a welcomed and a troubling development for the general public. Consequently, the research will investigate why gentrification is occurring in Peckham and Brixton, how it is affecting individuals living there, and what the perspectives and opinions of those who live there are. It has been decided to use Shane Duncan’s documentaries on Brixton and Peckham as a source of extra information in order to elaborate on the problem of gentrification in South London and what people think about it.

This is why the researcher has chosen discourse analysis, in which collected images, as well as the views and opinions of various people, are used to critically examine the transition process in Peckham, and then findings are linked to literature findings in terms of how the idea of discourse and representation is able to define or explain findings more clearly. The main research question is therefore, “What discourses about gentrification and south London identity are constructed in ‘This Is Peckham’ Documentary Series?”

Chapter 2: Literature Review

The chapter on literature review aides in the comprehension of crucial concepts pertaining to the research issue. Gentrification is transforming the way local residents live in London. The mainstream media is critical in shaping public perceptions of gentrification. This chapter will address in detail the major themes of representation, discourse, and representations of South London.

2.1 Representation as a Concept

In his introduction, Stuart Hall (1997) defines culture and explains its links to language and society. The article uses the phrase ‘circuit culture’, which refers to the transmission of culture in society through language. He then argues that circuit culture functions as a representational system. The notion of representation was explained by Hall as being a system that employs “signs” and “symbols” to refer to ideas, thoughts, feelings, expressions, and emotions. The term does not have to be used only in spoken or written language, though. To represent something is more significant. An example of this concept can be found in the music of a musician (Hall, 1997). When people speak, words employ sound to convey ideas, while when they write, the printed word represents that sound. This means that as well, and as Hall argues, culture is about “common meaning.” Culture includes the techniques of imbuing everything with significance, especially human beings, things, and events (Hall, 1997). They have multiple layers of meaning and worth that others must comprehend. Culture is a source of meaning and/or a collective sense of identity, and this can be passed down through social interactions. Words are the media through which meanings are created and consumed by the group. The resulting meanings are the outcome of the coding process called ‘signs’ that applied to the conceptual map in the brain (Hall and Nixon, 2013).

But to have a better understanding of one thought in another person’s mind, one must obtain the ‘linguistic codes’ that will assist in cross-referencing and translating the symbols. Though, these rules are personal, subject to social values and cultural norms. Diverse cultures exist within a community; nevertheless, one may belong to a community while yet maintaining their own identity by viewing events or subjects from an individual perspective (Hall, 1997). In other words, a plate from a sink Titanic can have multiple possible interpretations depending on who is viewing it. A common interpretation among economists, historians, and anthropologists is that this was a beneficial thing for antique commerce. While her husband sees it as a beautiful collection of serving equipment, a housewife may see it as a gorgeous gathering of food-serving utensils.

A further illustration of Hall’s method of using signs and symbols is when a mother uses it to convey the traffic light rule to her child. A ‘stop’ would be red, ‘go’ would be green, and ‘be ready or be aware’ would be yellow. Hall studies how language and representation impact our knowledge, identity, and practises (Hall and Nixon, 2013). A discursive technique is utilised when describing certain aspects of a certain application’s deployment in a certain time and place. Also, language with power as discourse was disseminated in various different ways to give people a feeling of self. It varies based on the location and the point in time of the person. It can be thought of as being horizontal, vertical, and balanced (Maratto, 2011). Since we may conclude that Hall’s argument regarding the representation system is positively about how language works, it can be assumed that Hall is advancing a viewpoint on how language functions when used as a means of communicating ideas and interpretations about the world (Hall and Nixon, 2013). We see this as something that takes place through language and culture, as ‘seniiotic’ and ‘discursive’ methods are aspects of representation itself. A representation system acts as a bridge between signifying practises (e.g., language) and discursive formations (e.g., identity).

2.2 Discourse as Concept

The origins of linguistics were modest, primarily focusing on words and sounds before moving on to phrases and sentences. The excitement of new ideas has always been present in the area of linguistics, and the area has also presented itself as significantly demanding (Gee and Handford, 2012). In essence, the definition of discourse describes structures and activities that reflect human thought and social reality, and concurrently generate meaning in the world (Norris and Jones, 2005). The proposed research approach in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) deconstructs and challenges accepted ideas and practises. It is from an epistemological perspective that it assumes the possibility of several ways of knowing and understanding the universe (Yanow, 2000). The purpose of discourse is to express our understanding of the world through language. Linguistic forms can be systemically related with social and ideological functions, as research and theory in functional linguistics have proven (Tannen et al. 2015). Of far greater significance, discourses can also be employed to challenge and subvert statements of power. Traditional methodologies, such as conversation analysis, ethnography of communication, and interactional sociolinguistics, are also included in the CDA multidisciplinary field of investigation.

The phrase “discourse” is complex, and, like the mammoth, there are various possible interpretations. While discourse as a concept has been introduced into modern discipline, it is often misinterpreted due to its broad definition, and it can be used to describe the way people use language, dialects, and acceptable comments in a given group. While discourse as a subject of study looks at talk among people who share the same speech rules, discourse analysis studies discourse between individuals who speak in common. Additionally, discourse encompasses comprehending the characteristics of many social interactions, notably interconnected speech or written discourse, which Bednarek et al. (2014).

Though discourse has resources beyond language, including multimedia texts, streaming video, and Internet-based multimodal discursive practises, language is the most complex since it plays the primary role in the production and interpretation of situated meaning (Hodges et al. 2008). Conceptually, discourse is language in context and meaning is a combination of valuing, explaining and communicating. Systemic functions in general have proven in recent research and theory on functional linguistics, language forms are often used for social and ideological purposes (Bednarek et al. 2014).

Rogers et al. (2005) coined the name “CDS,” or “Critical Discourse Studies,” “a new interdisciplinary endeavour that incorporates all theory and practise in the discipline of text and talk across the social sciences and humanities” CDA explores “the discursive practises of a community, such as conventional methods of using language, in addition to describing, interpreting, analysing, and critically reviewing social activity.” A key organising principle of discourse is based on three distinct levels of meaning, these being the “text,” the “interaction,” and the “context.”

The first facet, ‘discourse as text,’ aims to increase students’ proficiency in their ability to identify textual elements of discourses, namely how discourse is structured, why it is structured that way, and what other ways it may have been structured. “Hodges et al (2008), p. 207 states that” Everything in the text in this level is about making formal comparisons such vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and sentence structure, as well as lexical or phrase units (multimedia). A strategy is employed at CDA that “intends to enlighten the ways in which the predominant social forces in a society implement a favoured version of reality to serve their interests” and “aims to shed light on these practises and encourage the victims of oppression to withstand and improve their lives,” as Bednarek et al (2014) notes.

Indeed, that is how vital it is to comprehend the widespread influence of the mainstream media in people’s everyday lives. Additionally, by utilising the CDA framework, society can be more vigilant and conscious of media domination (Carvalho, 2008).

2.3 Representations of South London

Theorists of media have analysed how South London is portrayed and expressed their worry about socioeconomic class. Bourdieu’s work is primarily concerned with social class and does not take ethnicity and race into account in the same way (Wallace, 2017). Another significant issue that media theorists have examined in the image of South London is the gentrification process. Gentrification was coined in 1959 by British sociologist Ruth Glass. The state-led process of social cleansing and gentrification in central London also affects occupants of low-income housing and council estates (Glaeser, 2018). Since the 1990s, gentrification and social cleansing have been occurring in the country at an alarming rate. According to Lees and Ferreri (2016), publicly subsidised housing serves as a deterrent to social cleansing and gentrification. Additionally, it is observed that the social housing developments dotting the inner London map are reversing gentrification. Council housing, which comprises a sizable share of social housing, is facing gentrification issues.

This is due to the disparity between desirable property and local government disinvested stock, which has resulted in a disparity in state-promoted rent and the possibility for massive capital accumulation (Lees and Ferreri, 2016). South London’s community groups have expressed worry over the area’s huge increase in housing prices. According to Peckham Vision, which is claimed to represent community groups, churches, and businesses, local residents are being pushed to leave the region due to a huge increase in the cost of living (Thorpe, 2017).

Peckham and Brixton have recently emerged as South London’s gentrification hotspots (Retailgazette.co.uk, 2021). Gentrification increased the cost of buildings in the neighbourhood, hence raising property value and bringing large retail organisations and high-end developers to the Peckham and Brixton areas. While gentrification benefits developers and large businesses, local communities are generally unsatisfied and worried with the process (Jackson and Benson, 2014). Gentrification in South London will result in the loss of community and cultural hubs, as well as the closure of long-established independent institutions and small enterprises. South London locals are opposed to the addition of another high street (Jackson et al. 2021).

According to Jackson et al. (2021), young Black individuals in London face significant barriers to homeownership. Class and race dynamics, combined with gentrification, have made it difficult for Black people to locate good housing in London. Young individuals from minority communities or backgrounds stated that they are not only confronted with gentrification, but also with racial disparity and discrimination in South London’s property market. Lack of inheritance wealth is also a significant factor, as home costs continue to rise as a result of gentrification.

Thomson (2018) reveals that the white British race inherited an average of £3,068 from families and friends. On the other hand, the typical Black Caribbean ethnic group inherits only £778, and Chinese, black African, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi families and acquaintances inherit nothing (Retailgazette.co.uk, 2021). This issue is not exclusive to the black minority; it affects everyone. Lack of inheritance complicates the process of acquiring a home in South London during the gentrification era (Wallace, 2017).

Chapter 3: Methodology

In research, methodology refers to the framework within which the study is conducted. It assists the researcher in mitigating risk and uncertainty, avoiding duplication of work, and maximising the effectiveness of the research (Mohajan, 2018). The methodology arms the researcher with a set of explicit guidelines for commencing and managing the investigation. It refers to the specific processes or procedures that the researcher employs to identify, select, process, and further analyse data and information pertinent to the study issue. The methodology section enables a critical assessment of the research’s overall validity and dependability (Kumar, 2018). The chapter examines many aspects of the research methods employed in this study.

3.1 Research Method

The research method is defined as the better insight of the researcher’s methodologies and their methodological consideration. The research technique is intended to communicate the researcher’s technical and ethical considerations throughout the study. The term “research methods” refers to the strategies, procedures, or processes used to conduct research on a collection of data and its analysis in order to extract or find new knowledge and improve understanding of the research issue (Bryman, 2017). Experimental approaches, survey-based research, interview-based research, observational traits, case studies, and qualitative research are all examples of research methodologies. Quantitative research methods are those that make use of numerical and statistical values; qualitative research methods, on the other hand, make use of non-numerical data (Willing, 2017).

Justification- The research addresses a sensitive problem confronting Briston and Peckham residents. A more complete grasp of the subject is achievable only through an awareness of local residents’ perspectives on the gentrification process. To accomplish the research aims, the researcher collected and analysed data using a qualitative research approach. This will enable the researcher to interact with residents and ascertain their perspectives on gentrification in Peckham and Briston.

3.2 Research Design

According to Hine (2009), the adoption of new technologies and the invention of new technologies are amenable to ethnographic methodologies. Hine (2009 believed that ethnography should be an evolving process, and this study incorporates this idea. Ethnography has always been susceptible to interpretation, and has “never been a solid entity,” according to Jackson et al. 2015). With this in mind, please remember that virtual ethnographies like this one and others should not adhere to a particular methodology, data collecting or data presentation. According to Lindolf and Taylor (2002), ethnographers will apply whatever methodology that aids them in obtaining success. Defining and comprehending observed links between social practises and the frameworks of interpretation in a particular cultural context is often considered a measure of that achievement. They conclude, therefore, “Ethnography normally takes a comprehensive approach, giving an overview of all aspects of one’s cultural membership (p. 16).” The identification, presentation, and representation approach provided by Nelson-Marsh (2012) suggests that virtual organisations and virtual ethnographies are communicative in a basic way. The phrase, “identification is a position of constantly questioning,” was found in Nelson-Marsh (2012). When virtual workers and ethnographers are engaged, together with participants, in communication, they present or perform their job.

The third building block is representation. When Nelson-Marsh states that “representation is describing, documenting, and authoring of the observations of practises and interpreted meaning of these practises for others (p. 222),” he describes representation as “the describing, documenting, and authoring of the observations of practises and the interpreted meaning of these practises for others. Nelson-Marsh postulates that virtual participants (for example, those engaged in gentrification in Peckham) and virtual ethnographers (who, as ethnographers, are involved in the activity of representing people in text) engage in a performative communicative process. As proposed by Nelson-Marsh, the concept of representation includes three interconnected components: clarifying the importance of text in virtual ethnography; choosing what observations and interpretations to include and deciding how to compose and display virtual work. All of these have been a part of our study from the beginning. Ethnographic research lends itself to using virtual ethnography because of how gentrification and discourses can overlap. This study would be fruitful ground for exploration into virtual culture, as people search for an answer to the demographic landscape. The researcher is looking at images, words, and artefacts which are situated around the “diversity” of gentrification.

3.3: Data Collection Process

Data collection is a critical component of research, therefore choosing an effective approach is critical to the study’s effectiveness. There are numerous methods for gathering data for research, including direct collection via survey, interview, or questionnaire, or indirect collection via authentic journals and research publications (Dowling et al., 2016).

Justification- Collecting data for this topic necessitates direct connection with local residents in order to comprehend gentrification discourses in South London.

The researcher utilised an interviewing technique to acquire data for the study since it enables the researcher to directly perceive people’s perspectives, making the procedure more reliable (Dowling et al., 2016).

3.4: Sampling

Sampling is a term used in research to refer to the selection of a subset of individuals from a broad population for the purpose of data collection and assessment. The sample drawn is representative of the entire population in order for the findings to be generalizable to the full community. There are numerous sampling techniques, including random, systematic, quota, and clustered sampling (Etikan and Bala, 2017).

Justification- The researcher drew two individuals using random selection in order to collect data via interviews. Random sampling ensures that each member of the population has an equal probability of being chosen. It is the most straightforward way of sampling and is completely bias-free (Etikan and Bala, 2017).

3.5: Ethical Consideration

Ethical considerations are stipulated as a necessary component of the research. Throughout the research process, the researcher ensured that no volunteers were mistreated physically or psychologically. The researcher respected and prioritised the dignity of the research participants. The study interview was done with the participants’ express agreement. Additionally, the researcher avoided exaggerating or misrepresenting the research aims and purpose. Importantly, the researcher followed the 2008 Data Protection Act.

Chapter-4: Findings

4.1: Introduction

The findings of virtual ethnography are presented in this chapter as an overview of the research findings. Shane Duncan’s two documentaries are also discussed in the chapter, as are the concepts and significance derived from them. Following that, interviews with residents of Peckham are featured, which aids in the development of a comprehensive understanding of the gentrification process. In order to expound on the process of gentrification in south London through an examination of Peckham, the researcher must first answer his primary research question, which is then followed by an examination of the Peckham neighbourhood. Finally, a review of the literature is conducted to support the findings derived from primary data.

4.2: Findings

Duncan’s first documentary revealed that some of the people interviewed held a variety of differing viewpoints and ideas. Some people embraced the concept of gentrification, while others were concerned about how it would harm the quality of life and induce degeneration as a result of the lack of sense it would make to the community and other considerations. Several of the persons interviewed in the documentary claimed that Peckham was heavily populated by Africans, as an example. Peckham has also been associated with gangs and violence in the past. There have been numerous revisions. In Peckham, there is a phenomenon known as multiculturalism. Although the area has been gentrified, the houses and residences have been integrated. Every amenity imaginable is available at the location, including restaurants, bars, salons, and other facilities. Because to gentrification, the area has undergone significant transformation, and new businesses have sprung up. There is a lot of friction and conflict between different populations. Gentrification is unavoidable, and how we exploit this force to our advantage is something we should be concerned about. Someone commented that I don’t believe Peckham will have changed much even after five years. Gentrification should be carried out in a responsible manner for the benefit of future generations by fostering communities and providing assistance to those in need. There should be a far greater number of people active in the process of sharing and developing. With Peckham, it became evident that studio-based development, as well as public and entertainment space, was required. Residents of the surrounding area are involved in the project, which might be viewed as a positive development. There is a significant amount of local business, and there is a pressing need to increase its visibility. Gentrification can be a wonderful thing if the money is spent well and the circumstances are in the people’s favour. Overall, it was discovered that the process of gentrification was remarkable and unavoidable in Peckham, but that there was also concern about people losing their identity and cultural cohesion as a result of it. These considerations must be carefully considered and weighed. According to the results of the interviews, it was discovered that one of the respondents stated “Peckham was beneficial in terms of being a part of the team. Peckham was a very hazardous neighbourhood while I was growing up. She, on the other hand, was never afraid, and there are several get-togethers taking place in the area. I, on the other hand, would like to return to the good old days “. This clearly demonstrates that Peckham has been able to maintain a sense of community despite the inevitable gentrification that has taken place there. If the process of gentrification integrates individuals and generates greater value, the respondent believed, it may be considered positive. According to Hall (1990), the concept of representation is based on how people feel linked to their culture and how they convey their identity with other people. It consists of signs and symbols, a sense of belonging, and the art of exchanging ideas and points of view with others who are of similar cultural background.

Young people say that they are witnessing some of the most amazing developments in terms of economic activities and enterprises in Peckham, but it is also like an erosion of culture, which can be a potential negative influence of gentrification in this area.

In the context of Brixton, the documentary provided some important insights, and a variety of people expressed a variety of viewpoints on the subject. One of them, for example, stated that Brixton is a location of political consciousness. It is extremely important to a large number of people. Because of the high level of criminality and violence in the area, Brixton was once considered a rough neighbourhood. Brixton was not a popular destination before gentrification transformed it into a charming, hip, and fashionable neighbourhood. There are numerous coffee shops and other establishments that bring people together. It is vibrant and always inviting to newcomers and visitors. There were only a few businesses at the time, but now it is home to some of the top restaurants in London, which is a wonderful thing as long as the money is going towards public improvement. The neighbourhood used to be connected, but now, as a result of gentrification, there is an inflow of individuals, and gentrification is something that most people are unfamiliar with. It’s almost as though you’ve lost your identity.

People have lived in this area for the past 20 years, and new rentals are astronomically expensive, and there is insufficient integration with the local community. They bring in new business to the area, as well as bringing in money for the local community. Companies, on the other hand, are displacing locals from their businesses. You can’t control the popularity of London, and some people believe that Brixton should attract more individuals from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds. Because of gentrification, the future of Brixton may appear very different from what it looked like decades earlier.

This demonstrates that while gentrification has shown to be economically sustainable, it has failed to foster a sense of social cohesion among the general population. One of those who participated in the interview said that “There used to be a strong sense of belonging, and I believe that has dwindled to nothing. We used to meet up in the park quite frequently because it was such a pleasant setting. Every time you needed someone or something, there was always someone or something to help you. I never had any concerns or felt threatened in any way. We have lost a great deal in terms of green space and houses, as well as a sense of community.

Individuals here are really diverse from one another, and people have changed as well, thus the places have definitely lost their former charm and feel about them. Peckham is a thriving, inclusive, and accepting community ” That things have changed in Peckham and that there has been a transformation in identity, culture, emotions, and attitudes is abundantly obvious from the evidence provided. People have either relocated to other cities and, upon their return after several years, are sometimes surprised by the tremendous changes that have occurred, in which social identity and cultural connectivity have been weakened and replaced by economic relationships and commercial explosion. The economic changes are therefore welcome, but social developments are worrying from the standpoint of gentrification.

From the discourse perspective, it was discovered that there are a variety of structures and activities that represent human thought and social reality while also simultaneously generating meaning in the surrounding environment. For example, it was discovered that some of the persons featured in the documentaries were utilising adjectives such as good, outstanding, helpful, significant, beneficial, and unbelievable in their speech. Some of them, on the other hand, used methods such as violence, gangs, terror, a lack of social integration, community disentanglement, a lack of support, and exploitation to achieve their goals.

Each of these terms evokes a specific meaning, which is then translated into an idiomatic statement. It also aids in getting to know individuals and one’s environment. Because of the ideas and ideas expressed by residents in Peckham, for example, it is known what is going on in the neighbourhood.

They contributed to a better knowledge of gentrification in south London by using their words, ideas, and perceptions of the situation and behaviours. In the context of Peckham, there is no doubt that gentrification has been beneficial in terms of altering the overall feel, idea, and impression of the neighbourhood and the city. However, it has also been suggested that changes are not necessarily beneficial to all those involved. Specifically, this is valid from the perspective of people whose shops are replaced and whose decades-old identity and cohesion with similar individuals is dismantled under the guise of gentrification and gentrification-induced dislocation. According to the findings section, it was not quite obvious whether gentrification always results in a better and more favourable consequence for the community. Some people argued that when gentrification is steered in the proper direction, assisting people to connect and produce value for all, it can be viewed as a positive development. People’s bonds and connections can be severed when gentrification is able to divide them and degrade their bond and connection by replacing an old community with a new community that also replaces old values, charm, and affinity, raising the concern that gentrification is anti-social empowerment and social cohesion.

However, after seeing the two documentaries and conducting interviews, the researcher concluded that gentrification is not a hindrance to the expansion of Peckham’s economy. Instead, it has been discovered that it has resulted in beneficial changes in people’s perceptions of themselves and others.

In any case, complacency should be avoided at all costs, and efforts should be directed at assuring that gentrification is capable of supporting people and creating value for them rather than causing social friction and tension, as was highlighted in one of the movies. The researcher at the backdrop of a virtual documentary has also clicked some photographs for showcasing changes happening in Peckham. For example, the below images show rise of towers and buildings and availability of bus services at night along with development of multiplex.

Figure 1: Twitter Image Peckhamplex