Recapturing Democracy

"Recapturing Democracy" is a short yet synoptic introduction to urban democracy in our era of political neoliberalism and economic globalization. Combining an original argument with a number of case studies, Mark Purcell explores the condition of democracy in contemporary Western cities. Whereas many scholars focus on what Purcell calls 'procedural democracy' - i.e., electoral politics and access to it - he instead assesses 'substantive democracy'. By this he means the people's ability to have some say over issues of social justice, material well being, and economic equality. Neoliberalism, which advocates a diminished role for the state and increasing power for mobile capital, has diminished substantive democracy in recent times, he argues. He looks at case studies where this has occurred and at others that show how neoliberalism can be resisted in the name of substantive democracy. Ultimately, he utilizes Henri Lefebvre's notion of 'the right to the city', which encompasses substantive as well as procedural democracy for ordinary urban citizens.

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INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1: THE "TERROR" OF NEOLIBERALIZATION The Washington Competitiveness Council Globalization and Neoliberalization Globalization as selective "glocalization" Economic glocalization State glocalization Neoliberalization Laissez-faire Welfare retrenchment Aidez-faire Disciplining Neoliberalization and Democracy CHAPTER 2: THE MANY FACES OF DEMOCRACY An Essentialist Alternative Liberal Democracy Deliberative Democracy Participatory Democracy Revolutionary Democracy Radical Pluralism CHAPTER 3: NEW DEMOCRATIC ATTITUDES Democratic Attitudes against Neoliberalization A Democracy that is both Urban and Spatial A right to the city Lefebvre's interpretation An Example: Brazil's City Statute Elaborated and flexible Cautions Democratizing Cities CHAPTER 4: ON THE GROUND IN SEATTLE AND LOS ANGELES Seattle in Brief South Lake Union The Seattle Waterfront People's Waterfront Coalition The Duwamish River Cleanup Los Angeles in Brief Homeowners in Los Angeles CONCLUSION: YOU CAN HEAR HER BREATHING The Challenges The Promise Beyond the City and Neoliberalization Democratization against Neoliberalization REFERENCES

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