Host nations of large and prestigious events make sure that they portray an impressive image to the world. Dolles and Söderman (2010) note that cities hosting famous global events like FIFA world cup football tournament and the Olympics are normally set to stage a show for the whole world.
Indeed, these cities normally use this spectacular chance to demonstrate their might to the rest of the world. One of the major issues which spring up upon hosting such games is the socio-economic impact they come with. Studies have revealed that the real inhabitants of a city are usually highly responsive in case of any changes (Kennelly & Watt, 2011).
The open national qualitative study was therefore carried out to analyze the experiences of the young and homeless group of persons living in London and Vancouver.
This sub population happened to be the distinct dwellers of the streets of the two Olympic cities of 2010 and 2012. The research is aimed at offering a critical analysis of qualitative research study of the article authored by Kennelly and Watt on the effect of Olympics on poor neighborhoods.
It was critical for the research to be done using qualitative methods of study. Qualitative research ensures the use of everyday experiences of life to develop desirable ideas that are deduced from the real life of the research subjects (Golriz & Walker, 2012).
This being a qualitative research, it was done through the observation of the daily patterns of the lives of the young and homeless in London and Vancouver. The inquiries were conducted by an interpretation of phenomenal aspects of their lives. The sensitive social life was keenly scrutinized. Audio recordings, photographs and observational field notes were taken for assessment.
The general displacement of people due to preparations in readiness for Olympics, the recount of general experiences of people who were affected by these early preparations and the feelings of the hosts needed more assessment work in order to give the finest result of the study.
One of the most remarkable impacts which arise from the restructuring of a city prior to an international event is the achievement of global status (Dolles & Söderman, 2010). This is definitely one of the expectations of governments hosting such remarkable events.
The cities of London and Vancouver have realized a proportionate growth due to the Olympic Games. This has happened despite the fact that the homeless minorities have been spatially impoverished. This group of people has been forced to move away into the outskirts of the cities.
This has compelled them to settle for lower low-waged jobs which are characterized by insecurity. In order to give room to the middle class and first class Olympic hype followers, the humble street dwellers have been retrieved from the now economically stabilized cities. This is a basic social injustice and a gross form of economic neo colonialism (Golriz & Walker, 2012).
A quality and standard study research is supposed to ensure an all around analysis of the issue at hand (Golriz & Walker, 2012). Dolles and Söderman (2010) propose that the net gain of hosting the Olympics should not be given a chance to block the fight against moral ills which are associated with famous events.
Youth related crimes like tourist robbery, drug trafficking and prostitution should be adequately buffered during the Olympic season. The low income people should be incorporated in the general agenda of achieving international cohesion through international games.
The study was geared towards giving the phenomenal improvement of the two cities in terms of urban space utilization and configuration. It brought out the disproportional event hosting policy which marginalize the poor homeless youths.
Governments should start being keen to conduct balanced expansion of cities. This is achieved by a strategic planning which caters for the welfare of all members of the society (Dolles & Söderman, 2010).
References
Dolles, H. & Söderman, S. (2010). Addressing ecology and sustainability in mega- sporting events: The 2006 football World Cup in Germany. Journal of Management and Organization, 16(4), 587-600.
Golriz, S. & Walker, B. (2012). Backpacks. Several factors likely to influence design and usage: A systematic literature review. Work, 42(4), 1-150.
Kennelly, J & Watt, P. (2011). Sanitizing Public Space in Olympic Host Cities: The Spatial Experiences of Marginalized Youth in 2010, Vancouver and 2012 London. Sociology 45(5) 765–781