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Progress for all or privilege for some? An analysis of the urban rehabilitation of Budapest-Józsefváros, Hungary

Kraxner, Anna LU (2025) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM02 20251
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
Urban greening is increasingly promoted as a strategy for sustainable city development, yet it often carries hidden social costs. This thesis explores the green rehabilitation of Budapest’s 8th district, Józsefváros, a historically diverse neighbourhood undergoing significant change. Using critical urban
theory, the right to the city, and feminist urbanism, this study examines how sustainable urban rehabilitation is conceptualised and implemented, its social and environmental consequences, and future directions. Based on semi-structured interviews with local government officials, civil society actors, and experts, this research provides a holistic case study of urban renewal in a post-socialist context. Findings reveal that while local... (More)
Urban greening is increasingly promoted as a strategy for sustainable city development, yet it often carries hidden social costs. This thesis explores the green rehabilitation of Budapest’s 8th district, Józsefváros, a historically diverse neighbourhood undergoing significant change. Using critical urban
theory, the right to the city, and feminist urbanism, this study examines how sustainable urban rehabilitation is conceptualised and implemented, its social and environmental consequences, and future directions. Based on semi-structured interviews with local government officials, civil society actors, and experts, this research provides a holistic case study of urban renewal in a post-socialist context. Findings reveal that while local initiatives aim to create greener, more liveable spaces, challenges such as limited resources, political conflicts, and risks of green gentrification undermine truly inclusive sustainability. This research underscores the need for socially equitable green planning and highlights the importance of addressing systemic inequalities to achieve broader urban sustainability goals. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Kraxner, Anna LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM02 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Sustainability Science, Green Gentrification, Post-Socialist Cities, Urban Renewal, Right to the City
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2025:015
language
English
id
9195681
date added to LUP
2025-06-11 12:52:16
date last changed
2025-06-18 09:04:27
@misc{9195681,
  abstract     = {{Urban greening is increasingly promoted as a strategy for sustainable city development, yet it often carries hidden social costs. This thesis explores the green rehabilitation of Budapest’s 8th district, Józsefváros, a historically diverse neighbourhood undergoing significant change. Using critical urban
theory, the right to the city, and feminist urbanism, this study examines how sustainable urban rehabilitation is conceptualised and implemented, its social and environmental consequences, and future directions. Based on semi-structured interviews with local government officials, civil society actors, and experts, this research provides a holistic case study of urban renewal in a post-socialist context. Findings reveal that while local initiatives aim to create greener, more liveable spaces, challenges such as limited resources, political conflicts, and risks of green gentrification undermine truly inclusive sustainability. This research underscores the need for socially equitable green planning and highlights the importance of addressing systemic inequalities to achieve broader urban sustainability goals.}},
  author       = {{Kraxner, Anna}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{Progress for all or privilege for some? An analysis of the urban rehabilitation of Budapest-Józsefváros, Hungary}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}