Philosophy has its origins in the city, 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 compl...

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 ...

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 m...

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 administratio...

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 th...

What would it take to make society better? For the majority, conditions are getting worse and this will continue unless strong action is taken. This book offers a wide range of expert contributors outlining what might help to make better societies and which mechanisms, interventions and evidence are needed when we think about a better society.The book looks at what is needed to prevent the proliferation of harm and the gradual collapse of civil society. It argues that social scient...

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 multic...

What would it take to make society better? For the majority, conditions are getting worse and this will continue unless strong action is taken. This book offers a wide range of expert contributors outlining what might help to make better societies and which mechanisms, interventions and evidence are needed when we think about a better society.The book looks at what is needed to prevent the proliferation of harm and the gradual collapse of civil society. It argues that social scient...

What is Urban Theory? How can it be used to understand our urban experiences? Experiences typically defined by enormous inequalities, not just between cities but within cities, in an increasingly interconnected and globalised world. This book explains:Relations between urban theory and modernity in key ideas of the Chicago School, spatial analysis, humanistic urban geography, and ‘radical′ approaches like MarxismCities and...

Changing Family Values offers a comprehensive introduction to contemporary debates and new research surrounding the family. It explores how we define traditional family values and how these values are perceived as being underthreat in contemporary society. Ranging across politics, social policy, law and sociology, the contributors focus on the diverse realities of contemporary family life. Issues covered include:* the recent backlash against single mothers* lesbian a...

Welfare is an important concept in the social sciences. It is also challenged and contested not only by alternative concepts but also as a political goal in itself. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, this book takes a fresh look at the continuing relevance of welfare in the context of public policy, recent scholarly developments and changes in popular attitudes and behaviour.The book connects theory and practice. Tracing the concept's background in economics, political science an...

Nancy Fraser’s work provides a theory of justice from multiple perspectives which has created a powerful frame for the analysis of political, moral and pragmatic dilemmas in an era of global capitalism and cultural pluralism. It has been developed through dialogue with key contemporary thinkers, including an extended critical exchange with Axel Honneth that touches importantly upon the work of the late Pierre Bourdieu on social suffering. All the essays collected here engage with the work ...