Shaping the healthy subject in gentrified spaces: Two case studies in Barcelona (Spain)

Abstract

Several studies have analysed the impact of gentrification on health. However, a more in-depth examination of the constitutive role of health discourses in shaping spaces is required. This article explores the links between the gentrification process and the subjectification of healthy subjects through a critical discourse analysis of 35 walking interviews and a visual semiotic analysis of 140 shopfronts. Health is put forth as a super value to justify market interference in the configuration of urban space and class privilege based on the health products and healthy practices that have undergone a process of elitisation.