Bungacast
/474/ Urban Power in a Planet of Slums ft. Ben Bradlow
Mar 11, 2025
Ben Bradlow, assistant professor at Princeton, dives into urban politics and inequality, drawing from his book on São Paulo and Johannesburg. He discusses the contrasting realities of slum conditions in rapidly urbanizing cities and reflects on the tension between democratic ideals and neoliberal outcomes since the 1990s. The role of social movements in shaping housing policies is explored, along with the global implications of China’s industrial influence and the rise of the radical right in both the Global North and South. A thought-provoking look at the future of urban living!
41:23
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Quick takeaways
- The interplay between social movements and municipal governance significantly influences urban development and the effectiveness of local policies.
- Contemporary urbanization in cities like São Paulo and Johannesburg highlights a complex narrative marked by informal settlements and neoliberal disappointments.
Deep dives
The Political Landscape of Municipal Policy
Municipal policy is not merely a technical exercise; it is deeply intertwined with political dynamics that inform urban governance. The engineering dilemmas faced by cities are the result of underlying political struggles and relationships, particularly those involving social movements advocating for housing rights. Recognizing municipal states as products of their relationships with these movements highlights the importance of political capacity in shaping effective governance. This perspective challenges the notion that municipal capacities are solely defined by structural forces or technical capabilities, emphasizing that active political engagement is crucial.
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