The Right to the City
Daisy Gonzalez
CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies
URB: 200 – Social Justice and the City
Prof. K. Attoh
2/22/2023
Introduction
The readings from David Harvey discuss the conception of rights, and the right to the city and it attempt to develop a common ground definition of the concept. While identifying an individual’s desire for their city, it is important to understand that it is vital to work together towards a better future. The need to reshape what has already been done, to restore what has already been lost, for example, the individual’s right to freedom and the power to transform the city. It takes a combination of effort and social power to redefine rights and freedoms as Harvey argues, it is not an individual right (Harvey, 2009, p.48)
Discussion
Defining a just city is beyond just an urban concept, it is a variation of innovative ideas put into action collectively to make a difference. As the city changes, so does society and that is part of social evolution. For instance, the social issues from 50 years ago are totally different in the present day. Therefore, the needs of society change with time and they must be addressed differently, as we should rethink our approaches (Harvey, 2009, p.49).
Are we all given the same opportunity to participate in reshaping the city? For example, those communities who are being neglected and displaced by gentrification or those whose immigration statuses exclude them from certain policies. This is hard to accomplish, and like Harvey says this is not an individual fight, we need to change how we think if we want to change where we live.
Conclusion
In my opinion, everyone should be provided the same resources and equipped with the same kind of privilege to make changes. It should be for all social classes, ethnic backgrounds, immigrant status, youth, and seniors and for everyone committed to working towards a democratic society. A city where all people are given the power to shape the decisions on the issues that affect our lives. We can demand a right to the city now, but we need to have a vision and have an inclusive city where everyone is represented. Capitalism is responsible for causing a gap between the wealthy and the poor, which has been the problem still this day. It was interesting to read about the urbanization of China (Harvey, 2008, p.29) in which huge a development of infrastructure took over the cement supplies affecting other projects like the creation of highways.
I believe that capitalism is about producing surplus value, to find profitable areas for capital surplus production, the problem to me is that only the wealthiest benefit from it. We live in a time where the idea of human rights and social justice has moved to be the focal point of many political campaigns. For example immigration and housing issues are often used by politicians during election times, but are they really invested in finding a solution for all and not just the wealthiest group? Some with the right intentions and some with the sole intention of benefiting or running their own agenda. This to me is politics as usual, and it will continue.
References
- Harvey, D and Potter, C (2009) “The Right to the Just City” in Marcuse, Connolly, Novy,Olivio, Potter and Steil (eds.)Searching for the Just City: Debates in urban theory andpractice. New York NY: Routledge 40-52.
- Harvey, D (2008)“The Right to the City ”New Left Review (September-October) 53.
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