Mobilization politics : governing Philadelphia in the early twenty-first century / Stephen J. McGovern.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

McGovern, Stephen J., 1959-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Political participation--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia.

Political participation.

Urban policy--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia.

Urban policy.

Municipal government--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia.

Municipal government.

Political culture--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia.

Political culture.

Philadelphia (Pa.)--Politics and government--21st century.

Philadelphia (Pa.).

Philadelphia (Pa.)--Economic conditions--21st century.

Activism--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia.

Activism.

Activism--History--21st century.

Physical Description:

viii, 443 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm

Place of Publication:

Philadelphia : University of Pennsylvania Press, 2025.

Summary:

"Immigration, gentrification, and the rise of an innovation-based economy are altering American cities. In Mobilization Politics, Stephen J. McGovern offers a new approach to analyzing contemporary urban politics in light of these broad, societal changes. Redirecting the focus from the top-down orientation of regime theory toward a more bottom-up perspective, he contends that a striking upsurge in grassroots activism around issues such as policing and criminal justice reform, precarious labor, affordable housing, community development, and workforce diversity is transforming urban politics and policymaking. Through a detailed analysis of political activity in Philadelphia over the past decade, McGovern elucidates the mechanisms and impacts of grassroots mobilization. Philadelphia is typical of many large American cities with a relatively prosperous downtown core surrounded by neighborhoods that continue to struggle, sometimes amidst grinding poverty and long-standing racial oppression. And yet, Philadelphia, as a site of substantial grassroots activism since the early 2010s, has made significant strides in combatting economic and racial inequality in several important policy realms.Mobilization Politics expands the scope of the field of urban politics beyond the quiet, behind-the-scenes bargaining of regime partners and considers other key arenas of political contestation--such as electoral politics; policymaking by the mayor, administrative agencies, and the city council; and a wide range of activist groups operating at the grassroots. The book shows how bottom-up mobilization has been especially effective when activists engaging in street protests and demonstrations have joined with more established community-based organizations and issue-advocacy groups skilled in lobbying, litigation, and electioneering. By highlighting how this combination of insider/outsider activism has been a potent force for political change in contemporary Philadelphia, Mobilization Politics presents a more comprehensive, dynamic, and revealing way to look at power and politics in American cities today"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Mobilization in the city

Analyzing urban politics

The carceral state and the movement to overhaul the criminal justice system

Immigration, sanctuary, and activism around precarious work

Millenials, Gen Zers, and the reform impulse

Organizing around gentrification and the affordable housing crisis

Anchor institutions, markets, and the continuing power of business

Jobs, trade unions, and White privilege

Mobilization politics in Philadelphia

Mobilization politics beyond contemporary Philadelphia.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (p. [375]-421) and index.

Local Notes:

Athenaeum copy: Gemmill fund bookplate.

ISBN:

1512826782

9781512826784

OCLC:

1433197676