Flat Whites and Fractured Neighbourhoods: How Globalised Culture Is Reshaping Our Cities

By Demi Thompson, Guest Contributor for The Guardian Blog If you've walked through a formerly working-class neighbourhood lately and passed a yoga studio, a vegan cafe, or a boutique selling imported Scandinavian furniture, you might be witnessing the cultural footprint of gentrification, a global phenomenon that is transforming urban life. Leslie Kern, in her thought-provoking article “It’s not all coffee shops and hipsters: what we get wrong about gentrification”, rightly argues that focusing on overpriced flat whites or trendy brunch spots misses the bigger picture. Gentrification is not just about coffee culture, it's a symptom of globalised forces that deeply affect urban neighbourhoods and the people who live there. The Globalisation of Gentrification Gentrification has become a globalised phenomenon, visible from London to Mexico City, from Berlin to Brooklyn. As Kern points out, the cultural code is strikingly familiar: cool cafes, luxury high-rises, tech start-ups. On the surface, these developments might suggest progress. But the multiple negative effects of gentrification as a phenomenon of globalisation are impossible to ignore. Local businesses often suffer first, unable to compete with global chains that can afford rising rents. Exclusion and displacement of large parts of the population follow, as housing prices soar and long-time residents, especially in minority and low-income communities, are priced out. The character of the neighbourhood changes, turning once-vibrant, diverse communities into homogenous spaces catering to the wealthy. This often breeds resentment within the community, with a visible divide between those benefitting from the changes and those being pushed out. Rents and property values rise dramatically, and while some argue this boosts the local economy, the reality for many is aggravated socioeconomic inequality and community fragmentation. Global Culture: More Than Coffee Shops The problem goes even deeper. A globalised culture contributes to the loss of diversity in local communities due to the homogenisation of culture. Global brands replace local artisans, traditional food stalls make way for international franchises, and neighbourhoods begin to look the same from Toronto to Tokyo. We also see a decline in local traditions and cultural heritage, from disappearing dialects to abandoned festivals and local dishes. Moreover, this cultural shift brings a dangerous dependency on international corporations, as landlords, employers, or service providers, reducing the power of individuals and communities to shape their own environments. Local governments increasingly lose control as global developers and investors drive decision-making, often in partnership with state institutions that prioritise economic growth over social justice. Is There a Silver Lining? It’s not all doom and gloom. Some argue that gentrification and global influence can increase economic opportunities, improve infrastructure, and even lower crime rates in better-developed areas. In some cases, the introduction of new cultures and global networks helps reduce prejudice and creates opportunities for dialogue and exchange. Additionally, the renovation of buildings to meet ecological standards or the stabilisation of declining areas can contribute positively – if the changes are inclusive and driven by local communities, not global investors alone. So, What Does This Mean for Us? If we want to resist the negative effects of gentrification and a globalised urban culture, we must stop blaming the hipster cafe and start holding corporate landlords, developers, and governments accountable. Kern is right: a £6 flat white might add insult to injury, but it is not the cause of eviction or inequality. Our real fight is with the “Goliaths” of global capitalism—actors who profit while communities are displaced. To reclaim our cities, we need stronger rent controls, investment in social housing, and policies that prioritise people over profit. We also need to protect cultural spaces and local heritage, ensuring cities remain places where diversity can thrive. Yes, globalisation brings new ideas, technologies, and connections. But it should not come at the cost of community, identity, and belonging. Do you have any thoughts on how gentrification or globalised culture has affected your neighbourhood? Share them in the comments below. With hope for stronger, fairer communities, Yours, Demi Thompson

Should Global Citizenship Education (GCED) be made a higher priority in schools?

In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) is becoming ever more evident. As part of the United Nations’ agenda, GCED promotes the idea that individuals bear responsibilities not only to their local communities or nations but to the world at large. Given the complexity of today’s global challenges, I am of the opinion that it is essential that schools make GCED a higher priority in their curricula. One key reason for elevating the importance of GCED is the growing difficulty of understanding a world shaped by rapid and ongoing globalisation. Political conflicts, economic crises, environmental disasters, and pandemics no longer affect only one region—they ripple across continents. As the world becomes more interdependent, young people need the tools to make sense of global systems and their impacts. Moreover, citizenship involves both rights and responsibilities. GCED encourages students to engage actively in social, political, environmental, and economic processes. It helps them understand that their actions, such as how they consume resources, vote, or express opinions, have broader consequences. Educating future generations about their roles in a global society is essential if we hope to address issues like inequality, climate change, or global conflict collaboratively and effectively. Another urgent reason to promote GCED is to raise awareness of the social inequalities that globalisation creates. While some benefit from open markets and new technologies, others are left behind. GCED aims to make students aware of these disparities and to foster empathy and a desire for social justice. Furthermore, as challenges like global warming or pandemics increasingly disregard national borders, we must teach students that lasting solutions require international cooperation, not isolation. Equally important is the development of cross-cultural understanding and shared human values. GCED promotes analytical and evaluative skills that encourage critical thinking and tolerance. This “world-mindedness” prepares students not only to understand diverse perspectives but also to work towards inclusive solutions in an increasingly multicultural world. Some critics argue that GCED is too vague or impractical. Questions remain about whether a unified concept of global citizenship can exist, and which aspects—social, political, environmental, or economic—should be prioritized in teaching. Others point out that many of these topics are already covered in subjects such as geography, history, or ethics. Additionally, schools often face pressure to focus on job market-oriented skills or urgent local issues like healthcare or economic development. While these concerns are valid, they do not outweigh the broader necessity of preparing students for the realities of a globalised world. Rather than treating GCED as an optional add-on, schools should embed it more deeply into existing curricula. Far from being a distraction, it equips students with the understanding and responsibility needed to navigate both their local communities and the global landscape. In conclusion, Global Citizenship Education must become a higher priority in schools. As globalisation continues to shape every aspect of our lives, students need the knowledge, values, and critical skills to face complex global challenges with informed compassion and a cooperative spirit. Investing in GCED today is an investment in a more just, sustainable, and peaceful future.