Harvey Flashcards
What is meant by the “right to the city”?
The right to have a say about what happens with the surplus of the city.
But also simply the right to make use of the general city facilities?
According to Harvey, what is the dominating issue of capitalist economic systems?
The cyclical economic crises that wipe out value and create a great deal of pain, mainly for the poor.
How do the rich benefit from the capitalist economic system, according to Harvey?
During the crisis they “accumulate by dispossession”:
Though the rich also lose a lot during a crisis, they still remain with relatively more wealth than other parts. They use this wealth to accummulate even more assets during the crisis and come out even stronger than before.
What can this “accummulation by dispossession” be compared with?
The rise of the merchant class during the Middle Ages, as well as the growing wealth of Dutch traders during the Dutch Golden Age (resource trading from the colonies).
What does Harvey propose regarding to city-building/managing?
Design flexible, adjustable cities and fluid social processes that can change over time.
Does good design solve social process problems?
No. Harvey believes that social processes underlying even the best designed places still need to be cultivated and sustained. Just creating a remarkable environment, will not create community.
What critique can be given about community activism?
Mostly centered around militant particularities. Narrow scope and/or local concern (social justice, environmental issue)
