Slums : the history of a global injustice / Alan Mayne.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Mayne, Alan, 1955- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Slums--History.

Slums.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (360 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

London, England : Reaktion Books Ltd, 2017.

Summary:

More than half of the world now lives in urban areas, but a billion of these people reside in neighbourhoods characterized by entrenched disadvantage. These neighbourhoods, known as 'slums', are often seen as a debilitating and even subversive presence within society. In reality, however, it is often the host societies and public policies that are at fault. In this comprehensive global history, Alan Mayne explores the evolution and meaning of the word 'slum', from its origins in London early in the nineteenth century to its use to describe favela communities in the lead up to the Rio de Janeiro Olympic games in 2016. The word 'slum' has been extensively used for two hundred years to condemn and disperse poor communities. Mounting a case for the word's elimination from the language of progressive urban social reform, Slums is a must-read book for all those interested in social history and the importance of these vibrant and vital neighbourhoods.

Contents:

Introduction

'Slum' and 'slumming'

The attraction of repulsion

The war on slums

Orientalizing the slum

New slums in a postcolonial world

Little palaces

Building communities?

Shadow cities

Conclusion.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781803163598

1803163593

9781780238876

1780238878