07 - The Rise of Neoliberalism

Neoliberalism, with its market-driven policies and reduced state intervention, has significantly impacted urban planning, leading to increased inequality and spatial injustices. Critics like David Harvey and Henri Lefebvre highlight how these policies prioritize capital over residents, resulting in urban decay, gentrification, and displacement. Neoliberalism's rise, driven by figures like Milton Friedman and leaders such as Reagan and Thatcher, shifted cities from industrial to service economies, exacerbating social divides. Sharon Zukin and Saskia Sassen explore the cultural and financial aspects of this shift, noting the commercialization of urban spaces. Susan Fainstein advocates for spatial justice, emphasizing equitable access to public goods. Modernism and postmodernism offer contrasting views on urban development, with postmodernism favoring diversity and local culture. Global examples, such as Mumbai and São Paulo, show neoliberal policies displacing lower-income residents. In response, social movements call for the "right to the city," advocating for more inclusive urban planning.