In Defense of Housing
The Politics of Crisis
Published on 6. September 2016
Book
Hardback
240 pages
978-1-78478-353-2 (ISBN)
Description
In every major city in the world there is a housing crisis. How did this happen and what can we do about it?
Everyone needs and deserves housing. But today our homes are being transformed into commodities, making the inequalities of the city ever more acute. Profit has become more important than social need. The poor are forced to pay more for worse housing. Communities are faced with the violence of displacement and gentrification. And the benefits of decent housing are only available for those who can afford it.
In Defense of Housing is the definitive statement on this crisis from leading urban planner Peter Marcuse and sociologist David Madden. They look at the causes and consequences of the housing problem and detail the need for progressive alternatives. The housing crisis cannot be solved by minor policy shifts, they argue. Rather, the housing crisis has deep political and economic roots - and therefore requires a radical response.
Everyone needs and deserves housing. But today our homes are being transformed into commodities, making the inequalities of the city ever more acute. Profit has become more important than social need. The poor are forced to pay more for worse housing. Communities are faced with the violence of displacement and gentrification. And the benefits of decent housing are only available for those who can afford it.
In Defense of Housing is the definitive statement on this crisis from leading urban planner Peter Marcuse and sociologist David Madden. They look at the causes and consequences of the housing problem and detail the need for progressive alternatives. The housing crisis cannot be solved by minor policy shifts, they argue. Rather, the housing crisis has deep political and economic roots - and therefore requires a radical response.
Reviews / Votes
Excellent -- Charles Mudede * The Stranger * A critical analysis of the nature of the housing crisis within a political economy perspective. The authors highlight a conflict between housing as home and as real estate for profit making and focus upon processes of commodification of housing, power and exploitation, and inequality and injustice in contemporary capitalist society...A significant contribution to urban planning, sociology, and public policy. -- D.A. Chekki * Choice * An accessible, jargon-free account of how housing works under capitalism and a clarion call for how we can - and must - change it. * Socialist Review *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-78478-353-2 (9781784783532)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions
Book
09/2016
Verso Books
€41.03
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Persons
Peter Marcuse is Emeritus Professor of Urban Planning at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. He has written extensively in English as well as German, in the US, the UK and various other European countries. His work has also appeared in newspaper and magazines such as The Nation,New York Newsday, Monthly Review, Shelterforce and many others.
David Madden is Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and the Cities Programme at the London School of Economics. He has published academic articles in some of the leading urban studies journals, and is Editor at the journal CITY. He has also published reviews and commentary in outlets including LSE Review of Books, the Washington City Paper and The Guardian.
David Madden is Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and the Cities Programme at the London School of Economics. He has published academic articles in some of the leading urban studies journals, and is Editor at the journal CITY. He has also published reviews and commentary in outlets including LSE Review of Books, the Washington City Paper and The Guardian.