Geography

Contextualizing neighbourhood activism: Spatial solidarity in the city

Document Type

Book Chapter

Abstract

In much Global North urban geography, neighbourhood activism refers to propinquity-based solidarity among residents who share a district or part of a city. Solidarities are often formed through political demands of local government, including objections to nuisances or changes in land use, dubbed ‘NIMBY’ for ‘not in my back yard’. Neighbourhood activism may involve demands to local government for services in support of everyday life, e.g. roads, schools, water and utilities – what Castells termed collective consumption. Yet some neighbourhood activism is practiced and expressed through social relationships among neighbours, motivated by values and faith traditions, which emphasize social community. Investigation of contemporary neighbourhood activism highlights its multi-dimensional nature and diverse motivations. Outside of Western countries, the concept of neighbourhood as a place identity and therefore a basis for solidarity can be less resonant, which suggests the significance of political and cultural contexts in shaping the ontological basis of neighbourhood activism.

Publication Title

Handbook of Urban Geography

Publication Date

2019

First Page

411

Last Page

427

ISBN

9781785364600,9781785364594

DOI

10.4337/9781785364600.00040

Keywords

urban geography, neighbourhood activism, solidarity, place

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