What are the multi-dimensional impacts of studentification on urban village in Shenzhen?

Abstract

Studentification refers to clustering students in neighborhoods adjacent to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), where they typically reside in dedicated student housing units (Smith, 2005b). This phenomenon has become prevalent in Western countries. However, the impact of studentification in China has been overlooked. This dissertation explores the multi-dimensional impacts of studentification on Pingshan Village in Shenzhen, China. The study reveals that studentification affects the economy, social dynamics, cultural identity, and physical environment aspects of the community. The research shows students help boost the local economy and increase rental housing prices whereas government intervention also plays a significant role. Socially, Chinese student dormitories encourage solidarity among students, thus creating a social divide with local villagers. Retail patterns have undergone spatial changes to accommodate students' evolving consumption practices and lifestyles, and the implementation of student apartments shortly. Culturally, Pingshan Village faces a shortage of cultural facilities for the younger generation, necessitating the performance of a youth culture that blends with the local culture to establish a diverse cultural community. The study utilizes mixed-method research, combing quantitative data from questionnaires and official government statistics with qualitative data from interviews and field observations. This dissertation highlights a crucial topic that demands further investigation to ensure sustainable and balanced development in urban areas in China.