Redeveloping Old Havana: The Challenge of Maintaining Social Equity in the Face of Rapid Change

Rapid redevelopment in Old Havana poses significant challenges to maintaining social equity. Research by Dujon et al. (2016) reveals that while urban regeneration efforts aim to preserve the site's historical integrity and boost economic growth, they often exacerbate inequalities among residents. The study highlights how gentrification displaces long-standing communities, particularly those with lower incomes, undermining social sustainability. To address this, the authors propose integrating equity-focused policies into urban planning, such as affordable housing initiatives and community engagement strategies. Their approach combines qualitative data from interviews with stakeholders—including local residents, policymakers, and developers—and quantitative analysis of demographic shifts to assess the impact of redevelopment on social cohesion.

Dujon, V., Kohon, J., Ellis, S., & Iglesias, M. (2016). Redeveloping Old Havana: The Challenge of Maintaining Social Equity in the Face of Rapid Change. The International Journal of Sustainability in Economic, Social, and Cultural Context, 13(2), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-1115/cgp/v13i02/1-24