Philosophy begins in the city states of Classical Greece. And in the context of our own highly urbanised modes of living, the relationship between philosophy and the city is more important than ever. The city is the place in which most humans now play out their lives, and the place that determines much of the cultural, social, economic, and political life of the contemporary world. Towards a Philosophy of the City explores a wide range of approaches and perspectives in a way that is true to the city's complex and dynamic character. The volume begins with a comprehensive introduction that identifies the key themes and then moves through four parts, examining the concept of the city itself, its varying histories and experiences, the character of the landscapes that belong to the city, and finally the impact of new technologies for the future of city spaces. Each section takes up aspects of the thinking of the city as it develops in relation to particular problems, contexts, and sometimes as exemplified in particular cities. This volume provides an invaluable resource for students and scholars in Philosophy, Geography, Sociology and Urban Studies.

Neoliberal Housing Policy considers some of the most significant housing issues facing the West today, including the increasing commodification of housing; the political economy surrounding homeownership; the role of public housing; the problem of homelessness; the ways that housing accentuates social and economic inequality; and how suburban housing has transformed city life. The empirical focus of the book draws mainly from the US, UK and Australia, with examples to illustrate some of the most important features and trajectories of late capitalism, including the commodification of welfare provision and financialisation, while the examples from other nations serve to highlight the influence of housing policy on more regional- and place-specific processes. The book shows that developments in housing provision are being shaped by global financial markets and the circuits of capital that transcend the borders of nation states. Whilst considerable differences within nation states exist, many government interventions to improve housing often fall short. Adopting a structuralist approach, the book provides a critical account of the way housing policy accentuates social and economic inequalities and identifies some of the significant convergences in policy across nations states, ultimately offering an explanation as to why so many 'inequalities' endure. It will be useful for anyone in professional housing management/social housing programmes as well as planning, sociology (social policy), human geography, urban studies and housing studies programmes.

By stressing the importance of subjectivity and interpretation, social constructionism offers a different conception of reality from the traditional approach to housing policy analysis. This book provides an up-to-date review of the social constructionist perspective and considers its philosophical basis. It discusses how social problems are constructed and, in turn, how this informs policy-making. It is divided into two parts. The first section is theoretical and discusses the variety of conceptual approaches utilised within the constructionist paradigm. The second part provides a number of empirically based case studies from the UK and Australia to illustrate the different methodologies that form the social constructionist corpus. The book also evaluates both the criticisms that have been made against the social constructionist perspective and the strengths and weaknesses of constructionist methods. It therefore contributes to the development of a future research agenda for social constructionist research in housing and urban policy.

Experience and Representation: Contemporary Perspectives on Migration in Australia provides a critical overview of influential theoretical perspectives and recent empirical material in the fields of migration, race, culture and politics. With a primary focus on Australia, the book explores the complexities surrounding migration; sets out the most appropriate frameworks to understand ethnicity and racism; and assesses the utility of the concepts of globalisation, transnationalism and multiculturalism for interpreting contemporary society. Specific chapters explore the experiences of migrants within the context of urban environments; the vexed issue of national identity; the meaning of home; and the ways that migrants are currently represented in the media, literature and film. Experience and Representation will be of interest to scholars of migration and those studying social theory, politics and the media.

Issues around houses and homes reflect and inform our social, cultural and political worlds, from the subprime market and the financial crisis to social mobility and gender roles. Critically exploring key theories and cutting-edge debates, this text examines home in a global context for students across sociology, human geography and urban studies.

Experience and Representation: Contemporary Perspectives on Migration in Australia provides a critical overview of influential theoretical perspectives and recent empirical material in the fields of migration, race, culture and politics. With a primary focus on Australia, the book explores the complexities surrounding migration; sets out the most appropriate frameworks to understand ethnicity and racism; and assesses the utility of the concepts of globalisation, transnationalism and multiculturalism for interpreting contemporary society. Specific chapters explore the experiences of migrants within the context of urban environments; the vexed issue of national identity; the meaning of home; and the ways that migrants are currently represented in the media, literature and film. Experience and Representation will be of interest to scholars of migration and those studying social theory, politics and the media.

By stressing the importance of subjectivity and interpretation, social constructionism offers a different conception of reality from the traditional approach to housing policy analysis. This book provides an up-to-date review of the social constructionist perspective and considers its philosophical basis. It discusses how social problems are constructed and, in turn, how this informs policy-making. It is divided into two parts. The first section is theoretical and discusses the variety of conceptual approaches utilised within the constructionist paradigm. The second part provides a number of empirically based case studies from the UK and Australia to illustrate the different methodologies that form the social constructionist corpus. The book also evaluates both the criticisms that have been made against the social constructionist perspective and the strengths and weaknesses of constructionist methods. It therefore contributes to the development of a future research agenda for social constructionist research in housing and urban policy.

First published in 1999, this study features Keith Jacobs examining housing practice through a detailed analysis of processes that surround a large-scale housing regeneration initiative in the London Borough of Hackney. It forms part of a series incorporating a wide range of approaches to urban and regional studies, with an emphasis on original research linking theory and practice. The series is of interest to those working in planning, geography, economics, sociology, public administration and political science.

First published in 1999, this study features Keith Jacobs examining housing practice through a detailed analysis of processes that surround a large-scale housing regeneration initiative in the London Borough of Hackney. It forms part of a series incorporating a wide range of approaches to urban and regional studies, with an emphasis on original research linking theory and practice. The series is of interest to those working in planning, geography, economics, sociology, public administration and political science.

Neoliberal Housing Policy considers some of the most significant housing issues facing the West today, including the increasing commodification of housing; the political economy surrounding homeownership; the role of public housing; the problem of homelessness; the ways that housing accentuates social and economic inequality; and how suburban housing has transformed city life. The empirical focus of the book draws mainly from the US, UK and Australia, with examples to illustrate some of the most important features and trajectories of late capitalism, including the commodification of welfare provision and financialisation, while the examples from other nations serve to highlight the influence of housing policy on more regional- and place-specific processes. The book shows that developments in housing provision are being shaped by global financial markets and the circuits of capital that transcend the borders of nation states. Whilst considerable differences within nation states exist, many government interventions to improve housing often fall short. Adopting a structuralist approach, the book provides a critical account of the way housing policy accentuates social and economic inequalities and identifies some of the significant convergences in policy across nations states, ultimately offering an explanation as to why so many 'inequalities' endure. It will be useful for anyone in professional housing management/social housing programmes as well as planning, sociology (social policy), human geography, urban studies and housing studies programmes.

Philosophy begins in the city states of Classical Greece. And in the context of our own highly urbanised modes of living, the relationship between philosophy and the city is more important than ever. The city is the place in which most humans now play out their lives, and the place that determines much of the cultural, social, economic, and political life of the contemporary world. Towards a Philosophy of the City explores a wide range of approaches and perspectives in a way that is true to the city's complex and dynamic character. The volume begins with a comprehensive introduction that identifies the key themes and then moves through four parts, examining the concept of the city itself, its varying histories and experiences, the character of the landscapes that belong to the city, and finally the impact of new technologies for the future of city spaces. Each section takes up aspects of the thinking of the city as it develops in relation to particular problems, contexts, and sometimes as exemplified in particular cities. This volume provides an invaluable resource for students and scholars in Philosophy, Geography, Sociology and Urban Studies.

The UK housing market is in crisis. House-prices are spiralling out of control, rents are rising faster than wages, and there is a serious shortage of new affordable homes. But what caused this crisis and what can we do about it? In this book, established housing policy experts Rowland Atkinson and Keith Jacobs expose the true economic forces behind Britain's housing crisis. Urging readers to see the crisis as a result of the 'property machine'; a financial system made up of banks and investors, developers, landlords, and real estate agencies that prioritises the interests of capital over social need. An unequal system that has been routinely protected by the policy decisions of successive governments. To overcome this troubling system and alleviate the crisis, the authors outline a series of innovative proposals that would improve housing conditions and tackle the inequalities expressed in relation to personal housing wealth. Allowing for the establishment of a fairer, more equal society, and a more stable economic future. ABOUT THE SERIES: The 'What Do We Know and What Should We Do About...?' series offers readers short, up-to-date overviews of key issues often misrepresented, simplified or misunderstood in modern society and the media. Each book is written by a leading social scientist with an established reputation in the relevant subject area. The Series Editor is Professor Chris Grey, Royal Holloway, University of London

The UK housing market is in crisis. House-prices are spiralling out of control, rents are rising faster than wages, and there is a serious shortage of new affordable homes. But what caused this crisis and what can we do about it? In this book, established housing policy experts Rowland Atkinson and Keith Jacobs expose the true economic forces behind Britain's housing crisis. Urging readers to see the crisis as a result of the 'property machine'; a financial system made up of banks and investors, developers, landlords, and real estate agencies that prioritises the interests of capital over social need. An unequal system that has been routinely protected by the policy decisions of successive governments. To overcome this troubling system and alleviate the crisis, the authors outline a series of innovative proposals that would improve housing conditions and tackle the inequalities expressed in relation to personal housing wealth. Allowing for the establishment of a fairer, more equal society, and a more stable economic future. ABOUT THE SERIES: The 'What Do We Know and What Should We Do About...?' series offers readers short, up-to-date overviews of key issues often misrepresented, simplified or misunderstood in modern society and the media. Each book is written by a leading social scientist with an established reputation in the relevant subject area. The Series Editor is Professor Chris Grey, Royal Holloway, University of London