Södra Sofielund i förändring(ar) - En kvalitativ fallstudie om föreningen BID Sofielund: drivkrafter samt potentiella risker ur ett gentrifieringsperspektiv

Sammanfattning: The aim of this bachelor thesis was to research the Business Improvement District (BID)-inspired property owner collaboration (BID Sofielund) in Södra Sofielund, by conducting a small qualitative case study with four key stakeholders. This essay explores their experiences with the implementation of the program as well as the potential effect of gentrification in Södra Sofielund. The informants’ perspectives were compared to previous research on BID-models. Theoretical concepts from gentrification were used to better understand the gathered material and explain my observations. The results show that the informants generally view the implementation of the BID-model as positive and discuss the benefits that come with a public-private partnership. The informants were aware that there is criticism regarding a gentrification process linked to the model's establishment in the area. However, they did not think that there is an ongoing gentrification process in the area, but there is potential for one in the future. By analyzing the results in connection to the theoretical framework of the thesis, it is already possible to see similarities to gentrification discourses and its connection to previous BID-models. I believe that BID Sofielund would benefit from incorporating gentrification studies into their way of thinking and working, which could prevent a continued positive development in Södra Sofielund from directly or indirectly displacing businesses and people.