Hyper-Divided Cities and the ‘Immoral’ Super-Rich: Five Parting Questions

Abstract

This chapter summarises common themes covered in this volume and highlights areas for further empirical investigation. It is argued that there is a tendency to blame the ‘immoral’ super-rich for the dramatic growth of urban inequalities and the related hyper-division of cities. It is suggested that this accusatory reading should be complemented by empirical research into the precise involvement of the super-rich vis-a-vis other drivers. With this objective in mind, we pose five key questions: What is new about current forms of hyper-division and wealth inequality? What are the roles of structures and intermediaries, in addition to the super-rich? How are governments and their policies implicated? What about transformed urban economies in the context of the financialisation–urbanisation nexus? Are there geographical variations regarding cities and the super-rich?