The connection between the power elite, coined by C. Wright Mills, and gentrification in Puerto Rico is rooted in economic, political, and social dynamics. Firstly, the power elite, comprising influential individuals in government, corporations, and other spheres, often play a significant role in shaping policies and investments that drive urban development. Before the arrival of Americans in 1898, the Spanish Empire held full control of the island, defining Criollo as those embodying Spanish ideals. In essence, Criollo denotes individuals influenced by the ethnic and cultural diversity of the Americas, commonly referring to the economically successful, educated, predominantly white native minority of Spanish descent in late Spanish colonial times. A small group of the Criollo, self-appointed themselves “as the historically chosen class with ruling capacity in Puerto Rico” (Villanueva 2022). They developed anti-corruption ideals that drove the Spanish corruption on the island while also imposing corruption narratives on the working class people, depicting them as indecent and morally inferior, however, correctable under the tutelage of the Criollo Bloc.
Although not previously defined as the power elite, due to the power and prestige that the Criollo Bloc held made them influential in Puerto Rican society. First coined by C. Wright Mills, the power elite, is a small group of people who control a disproportionate amount of power, wealth, and privilege in a political system and make all important decisions (Mills 1956). In that, business leaders claimed to act for the greater good but often prioritized their own interests over marginalized communities (Mizruchi 2017). This historical perspective helps to shed light on the actions of contemporary power elites, particularly in the context of gentrification in Puerto Rico. In essence, the Criollo Bloc set the foundation for the power elite that is seen today in Puerto Rico. Its ideals of seeing the laboring class as lewd and unfit to rule themselves is something that still stands true to current day for many Puerto Ricans.
With Puerto Rico being a US territory, the Criollo Bloc declined in power, leaving the US government to fully control the island. Today, the power elite, such as the US government, in Puerto Rico globally drive urban development, favoring wealthier residents and corporations over lower-income communities, and reinforcing economic and political dominance (Seybold 2019). Tax incentives for developers and the promotion of luxury housing projects serve to exacerbate gentrification pressures, leading to the displacement of vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the power elite’s control over media and cultural narratives shapes perceptions of gentrification as positive urban revitalization, obscuring its detrimental effects on marginalized communities. Puerto Rico’s status as a U.S. territory, coupled with limited representation in the federal government, worsens the situation by allowing decisions affecting the island to be made without sufficient regard for local needs and interests. Thus, the power elite’s influence over economic resources, political institutions, and cultural narratives significantly contributes to gentrification in Puerto Rico, perpetuating inequalities and marginalizing vulnerable populations in the process.
The connection between the power elite and gentrification in Puerto Rico intertwines economic, political, and social dynamics, echoing historical precedents and contemporary realities. Initially, the Criollo Bloc, akin to what C. Wright Mills termed the power elite, wielded influence over Puerto Rican society through government support. This historical context, while not explicitly defined as the power elite, mirrors its influence in shaping societal structures. Contemporary power elites, including global actors, influence urban development policies, favoring wealthier residents and corporations, employing practices such as rent-seeking, opportunity hoarding, exploiting loopholes, and co-opting participatory planning (Lauermann & Mallak, 2023). This perpetuates gentrification pressures, leading to the displacement of thousands of people specifically Puerto Ricans. The power elite’s control over media and narratives further obscures the detrimental effects of gentrification, framing it as positive urban revitalization. Puerto Rico’s status as a U.S. territory intensifies these dynamics, potentially neglecting local needs and interests, thus widening inequalities and further marginalizing vulnerable communities. Thus, the influence of the power elite perpetuates gentrification in Puerto Rico, reinforcing socio-economic disparities and disempowering vulnerable populations.