“Gated Communities” and the Control of Urban Space: A Review

This paper discusses several topics related to the growth of “gated communities” (private residential areas closed to non-residents). After presenting the main characteristics of this type of residence, this paper draws a link between the growth of these guarded environments and the changes to forms of social control in contemporary cities. “Gated communities” provide residential security and tranquility and constant surveillance, and they prevent deviant behavior. Their strategies appear to be being used more commonly in urban spaces.