Ahn, Young-Jin, and Zuhriddin Juraev. "Critical Analysis of Marxist Ideas in Modern Urban Planning." Cities, vol. 148, 2024, p. 104843.
This paper examines the resurgence of Marxist ideology in contemporary urban planning, focusing on its compatibility and potential contributions to addressing complex urban challenges. The authors explore how Marxist thinking can intersect with capitalist theories within the context of sustainability, equity, and resilience. The paper concludes that integrating Marxist principles into urban planning can offer innovative solutions to modern challenges, though it requires careful and nuanced consideration. This source is valuable for its comprehensive analysis of Marxist contributions to urban planning. Unlike other works that might focus solely on either Marxist or capitalist perspectives, Ahn and Juraev provide a balanced discussion that considers both ideologies' strengths and limitations. The information is reliable, drawing on a wide range of academic references and offering a critical perspective that is both reflective and forward-looking. The objective approach enhances its utility for understanding the potential and pitfalls of applying Marxist theory to modern urban development.
This paper is important in shaping an argument about the relevance of Marxist ideas in contemporary urban planning. It provides a nuanced understanding that is crucial for discussing the integration of ideological perspectives in urban policy. The insights into the historical and theoretical underpinnings of Marxism make it a critical resource for exploring innovative approaches to urban challenges like income inequality and uneven distribution of labor force.
Amorós, Miguel. "Urban Struggles and Class Struggle." Libcom.org, 19 Jan. 2012, https://libcom.org/article/urban-struggles-and-class-struggle-miguel-amoros.
The article "Urban Struggles and Class Struggle" explores the evolving nature of urban spaces in the context of class struggle. The author Miguel Amoros argues that cities have been transformed into areas dominated by consumption and control, thus losing their capacity for radical change. In this case, the way for people to modify the current urban planning becomes difficult to achieve. Amorós suggests that effective resistance must bridge urban and rural struggles, which may cause tremendous troubles to the whole society. In another aspect, the article is also advocating for the creation of autonomous zones and counter-institutions to foster non-capitalist relations, which is a worth-noticing phenomenon, since capitalism is what we concern most in the planning of urban areas, even though it would be extremely difficult to achieve. Moreover, in the paper he did emphasize de-urbanization and the need for autonomy to combat capitalist exploitation effectively. Modern urban development is inherently linked to capitalism, where the city becomes a battleground for class struggle. What we can refer from this paper to our project is that we do focus on the development of the labor force in urban areas. Due to urban and class struggles, the labor force within cities will fluctuate due to all kinds of causes like class aspect. Capitalists' interests shape cityscapes to prioritize profit over the needs of the working class, advocating for collective action against capitalist urbanization.
Austin, Mike. “Theory: Marxism.”
Marxist literary criticism analyzes literature through the lens of social and economic systems, focusing on class struggle and the ways in which economic realities shape human consciousness. Originating from Karl Marx's theories, this approach has significantly influenced various disciplines beyond politics, including history, sociology, and literary studies. Early Marxist critics, like Georg Lukács, emphasized how realistic novels depict the inevitable class conflicts and worker alienation inherent in capitalist societies. For Lukács, literature that accurately portrays social realities, even if unintentionally, supports the Marxist critique of capitalism. As Marxist thought evolved, scholars like Louis Althusser and Fredric Jameson expanded its scope by integrating it with psychoanalysis and post-structuralism. Althusser redefined the relationship between the economic base and the cultural superstructure, suggesting a more dynamic interplay where literature influences and is influenced by socio-economic conditions. Jameson introduced the concept of the "political unconscious," proposing that literature reveals repressed social and economic conditions. Contemporary Marxist criticism is diverse, often intersecting with feminist and deconstructionist theories to expose and challenge the socio-economic foundations of literary texts. It aims not only to reflect societal issues but also to critique and inspire change by revealing how literature perpetuates or resists oppressive economic systems. This approach underscores the belief that literature is deeply intertwined with the material conditions of its production, offering insights into both the overt and covert operations of power and ideology in society.
Bridge, Gary. “On Marxism, Pragmatism and Critical Urban Studies.” International journal of urban and regional research 38.5 (2014): 1644–1659. Web.
This book focuses on describing how the Marxist emphasis on the analysis of power structures has influenced urban planning. This approach scrutinizes how economic and social inequalities are embedded in the urban landscape, leading planners to consider how different policies perpetuate or challenge these differences. In urban development projects, a Marxist perspective prompts planners to assess who will benefit from these developments and who will be disadvantaged. Critically assess whether projects such as new commercial complexes or upscale housing will disproportionately displace low-income residents, or whether they actually improve community infrastructure and transportation. Marxism focuses on class struggle and the economic underpinnings of society, such as the dynamics between real estate developers and city officials to residents and local businesses. This understanding is critical to the development of more equitable urban policies that seek to balance growth with social justice and ensure that the benefits of urban development are widely shared, rather than concentrated on a few. Incorporating these insights into a practical framework for urban studies allows for theoretical critique and practical application. This critical perspective shapes more inclusive urban planning processes that take into account the needs and voices of all stakeholders, especially marginalized communities. This approach can deliver sustainable and equitable urban planning programs.
Fraser, Benjamin, ed. Marxism and Urban Culture / Edited by Benjamin Fraser ; Foreword by Andy Merrifield. Lanham, Maryland: Lexington Books, 2014. Print.
This book focuses on how Marxist theory has influenced urban life and planning, demonstrating the unequal impact of capitalism on our urban environments. The first is the impact of capitalism on public space. The book argues that public space often reflects social inequality, with affluent neighborhoods being better maintained and facilitated than poorer areas. Through a Marxist lens, the need for a more equitable distribution of resources and community-centered urban planning also describes how these spaces can be changed to be more inclusive and reflective of local needs. Parks and squares, for example, are spaces that from a Marxian perspective often reflect social inequalities, with affluent areas enjoying well-maintained parks and public amenities while poorer neighborhoods are neglected. To address these issues, we need to make relevant changes in public spaces so that they are more inclusive and all community members have equitable access to the same resources. This paper also describes how culture such as street art, music and movies influence urban life. The Marxist perspective is that street art is not only a visual transformation of urban space, but also a revolt against the capitalist-dominated model of urban development. For example, street art is portrayed as a means for marginalized communities to assert their existence and resist middle-classification. Murals and graffiti often convey powerful social and political messages, challenging dominant economic narratives and reclaiming public space for local voices.This book describes in detail how Marxian theory can be applied to urban planning and cultural analysis, emphasizing the need to promote social equity.
Harvey, David. "The Right to the City." New Left Review, no. 53, 2008, pp. 23-40. https://newleftreview.org/issues/ii53/articles/david-harvey-the-right-to-the-city
"The Right to the City" by David Harvey discusses how urban spaces are often shaped by capitalist interests, which matches our focus of the project we are working on. It advocates for a more equitable distribution of urban resources, which corresponds a lot with Marxist theory and urban planning. In fact, the transformation of cities has increasingly been driven by the needs of capitalism rather than people’ will. The right from the city is a collective right, from the people within the city, a means to reshape the processes of urbanization and align with the collective desires and needs of urban dwellers, rather than fulfilling the interests of a few powerful entities. Harvey also highlights how these policies disregard marginalized communities and reduce public spaces, effectively disrupting urban residents of their right to shape their environments. Generally speaking, urbanization under capitalism is inherently exploitative, since it prioritizes profit over people. The paper calls for a more inclusive approach to urban development on a democratic level. As for the rights to the city, it involves reclaiming urban spaces for public use, promoting participatory governance, and ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all classes of people. Thus, the critique of urbanization from this paper greatly calls for action of more equitable and democratic urban development practices. Even though it’s not directly talking about the labor force in urban areas, it argues for a more equitable approach for urban people. With the development of urban labor force on a democratic level, the labor force we focus on will respond correspondingly.
Karlsson, Torsten. "Spatial Planning and Marxism." Section on Marxist Sociology, 2022, marxistsociology.org/spatial-planning-and-marxism/ 6-21-2024.
In “Spatial Planning and Marxism”, Torsten Karlsson discussed the relationship between the historical evolution of Marxism theory in urban planning and socio-technical developments. He concluded that planning theory shifted from a Marxism approach to a communicative and capitalism framework body in the mid-1980s. This shift took place against a background of intensifying global social conflict and the growing influence of capitalism on urban development. Karlsson criticizes the communicative turn in city planning theory, which despite its original intention to promote cooperation, has tended to reinforce existing imbalances in the distribution of wealth and resources and to pander to capitalist policies. He argues for a return to a genuinely Marxism system of planning, emphasizing the need to respond to economic and resource distribution crises through a view centered on class struggle and working class interests. By integrating Marxism analysis (which define the root causes of the crisis in capitalism's desire for profit and the oppression of the labor force at the bottom class), planners can develop more equitable and sustainable urban environments and more accessible resources that are accessible to the working class.Karlsson's article calls for a re-examination of urban planning that incorporates socialist and anticapitalist features of the city in order to create a more just and equitable urban planning.
Katznelson, Ira. “Marxism and the City.” OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 2 Sept. 1993, academic.oup.com/book/10906.
This book explores how Marxist theory can be applied to understand the development and organization of urban spaces. Katznelson examines the city's role as a focal point of economic activity and social relations, highlighting how capitalist imperatives shape urban environments. He argues that cities are not just physical spaces but also arenas where class struggles play out, with urban planning and policies often serving the interests of the bourgeoisie at the expense of the working class. By analyzing historical and contemporary examples, Katznelson demonstrates how urban development under capitalism leads to spatial inequalities, segregation, and the marginalization of lower-income populations. He calls for a critical approach to urban studies that considers the power dynamics and economic forces driving city planning. Katznelson’s work underscores the need for more equitable urban policies that address these disparities, advocating for urban environments that support the well-being of all residents, not just the affluent. Through this lens, "Marxism and the City" provides valuable insights into the socio-economic underpinnings of urbanization and challenges readers to rethink how cities can be designed to promote social justice and inclusivity.
Paden, Roger. "Marxism, Utopianism, and Modern Urban Planning." Utopian Studies, vol. 14, no. 1, 2003, pp. 82-111. Penn State University Press, https://www.jstor.org/stable/20718548.
In this article, Roger Paden explores the intricate relationship between Marxism, utopianism, and modern urban planning. Paden delves into the inherent contradictions within Marxist theory when applied to urban planning, a field that requires normative and prescriptive stances contrary to the deterministic and often quietistic tendencies of Marxism. He discusses the views of various scholars like Peter Hall and the Fainsteins, who argue that Marxism and urban planning have an uneasy coexistence due to the radical critique Marxism poses on bourgeois society and its structures. Paden further examines how Engels' critique of urban planning under capitalism leads to a call for revolutionary change before meaningful planning can occur. He concludes by suggesting that Marx's theories, despite their critiques of utopian planning, can still offer valuable insights and normative guidance for contemporary urban planning practices.
Paden's article is a critical and comprehensive analysis of the intersection between Marxist theory and urban planning. It stands out for its detailed examination of historical and theoretical perspectives, particularly the works of Engels and other Marxist critics. Compared to other sources in the field, Paden's approach is unique in attempting to reconcile Marxist theory with practical urban planning strategies, offering a nuanced perspective that acknowledges both the limitations and potential contributions of Marxist thought. The reliability of the article is reinforced by its extensive references to seminal works and prominent scholars in the field.
This source is instrumental in understanding the theoretical challenges and potentials of integrating Marxist principles into urban planning. It aids in shaping an argument that seeks to find a middle ground between purely theoretical critiques and practical applications. Paden's insights are particularly useful for exploring how normative theories can be derived from Marxist thought to inform contemporary planning practices. This article has influenced my perspective on the feasibility and relevance of Marxist approaches to urban planning, encouraging a critical yet constructive examination of how these ideas can be applied today.
Gleeson, B. (2001). Disability and the Open City. Urban Studies, 38(2), 251-265. https://doi.org/10.1080/00420980123531
Gleeson's paper examines the issue of physical accessibility in urban environments and critiques the limited theoretical significance of conventional accessibility studies. The author proposes the use of Ulrich Beck's 'reflexive modernization' thesis to deepen the understanding of accessibility and its socio-political implications. Gleeson argues that accessibility issues are deeply embedded within the broader socio-political processes shaping urban spaces and calls for a more nuanced, theoretically informed approach to studying and addressing these challenges. This paper is a valuable resource for researchers interested in the intersection of disability studies and urban planning. Gleeson’s application of Beck's theoretical framework offers a fresh perspective on the socio-political dimensions of accessibility, making it a significant contribution to the field. Compared to other sources in this bibliography, Gleeson’s work stands out for its theoretical depth and its critique of existing accessibility literature.
This source is particularly helpful in understanding the broader socio-political context of urban accessibility issues. It supports the discussion on universal design by illustrating the systemic nature of inaccessibility in urban environments and the need for inclusive planning practices. Gleeson's insights into the failures of existing regulations underscore the importance of adopting universal design principles to create environments that are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities
Rossi, Marco Rosaire. "Ideology and City Planning: Marx and Engels's Reconciliation of Town and Country." Rethinking Marxism, vol. 35, no. 2, 2023, pp. 225-244. https://search.library.berkeley.edu/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=cdi_proquest_journals_2805748203&context=PC&vid=01UCS_BER:UCB&lang=en&search_scope=DN_and_CI&adaptor=Primo%20Central&tab=Default_UCLibrarySearch&query=any,contains,marxism%20urban%20planning&offset=10 6-21-2024
In “Ideology and City Planning: Marx and Engels's Reconciliation of Town and Country”, Marco Rosaire Rossi describes in detail the theoretical and perspectival contributions of Marx and Engels to the field of urban planning, and in particular their reflections on the relationship between the city and the countryside.Rossi explains how, through their critique of the urban structure of capitalism, Marx and Engels formulated the ideal of unity between the city and the countryside. And the city and countryside were unified into one subject. They argued that capitalism led to an opposition between the city and the countryside, and also between the capitalist class and the peasant class, leaving the countryside and the peasantry exploited and oppressed, while the city became the center of industry and capital concentration. Through their critique of capitalist urbanization, Marx and Engels proposed a new model of planning aimed at eliminating the division between the city and the countryside, promoting the union of the two, and achieving an ideal world of social evolution to a higher level. In his article, Rossi also analyzes how Marx and Engels' theories have been applied in modern urban planning, showing the importance of their ideas in responding to contemporary urban problems. The article suggests that modern urban planning should draw on the critical perspective of Marxism and focus on accessibility and sustainability of resources and facilities for all in order to achieve a more equitable and balanced social development.
Shen, Qing. "Location Characteristics of Inner-City Neighborhoods and Employment Accessibility of Low-Wage Workers." Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design, vol. 25, 1998, pp. 345-365.
This study explores the spatial characteristics of urban unemployment with a refined methodological framework for measuring employment accessibility. It focuses on how location and auto ownership affect employment accessibility for low-wage workers in Boston's inner-city neighborhoods. The study highlights that, despite the central location advantage of inner-city residences, auto ownership is a more critical determinant of employment accessibility. A significant finding is that low-wage workers in these neighborhoods generally have low employment accessibility due to limited auto ownership, which restricts their spatial mobility. Shen's research offers valuable insights into the inequalities embedded within urban spaces, aligning with Marxist critiques of capitalist urban development. By illustrating how economic and spatial barriers restrict access to employment for low-wage workers, the study echoes Marxist concerns about the uneven development of cities and the resultant socioeconomic stratification. This source will contribute to the research by providing empirical evidence on how urban planning decisions can either mitigate or exacerbate class disparities. Shen's emphasis on the need for comprehensive transportation policies to improve accessibility for marginalized communities aligns with Marxist advocacy for equitable resource distribution and social justice in urban planning. This work will be instrumental in analyzing how city planning can address or perpetuate the structural inequalities critiqued by Marxist theorists.
Stafford, L., Vanik, L., & Bates, L. K. (2022). Disability Justice and Urban Planning. Planning Theory & Practice, 23(1), 101-142.
This comprehensive article explores the intersection of disability justice and urban planning. It covers various topics, including the importance of including disabled people in urban planning processes, recognizing and valuing disability diversity, and adopting inclusive design principles. The article also highlights the need for disabled people's perspectives in climate action and environmental justice. The source is invaluable for understanding the systemic challenges faced by disabled people in urban environments. It provides a broad perspective by integrating personal narratives, theoretical discussions, and practical recommendations. The information is reliable, drawing on the expertise of scholars and activists in the field of disability justice.
This article is crucial for shaping an argument about the necessity of inclusive urban planning. It emphasizes the importance of dismantling ableist structures and ensuring that disabled people are actively involved in planning processes. The insights gained from this source is important for us in the process of investigating the distribution of accessibility infrastructure.
Vance, James E. “Housing the Worker: The Employment Linkage as a Force in Urban Structure.” Economic Geography, vol. 42, no. 4, 1966, pp. 294–325. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/141882. Accessed 19 June 2024.
Vance explores the interplay between Marxism and city planning, focusing on the historical and theoretical aspects of worker housing and urban industrial structures. It discusses how early industrialization led manufacturers to provide housing for their workers, a practice that evolved into a broader housing market, resulting in overcrowded tenements and slums. The text highlights the emergence of municipal socialism as a response to these inadequate housing conditions, advocating for public intervention to protect renters and improve living conditions. It critiques purely economic explanations of industrial location, emphasizing the need to consider social and geographical factors in understanding urban structures. Vance also examines the physical reshaping of cities due to the transition from factory-tied housing to general housing markets, noting significant changes in urban morphology. Finally, it contextualizes these developments within the broader impact of the industrial revolution on urban geography, emphasizing the diversity of industrial areas and their lasting effects on urban landscapes. This historical perspective is crucial for understanding contemporary urban planning challenges and the socioeconomic dynamics that shape cities.