Policy Press

Social Geography and Urban Studies

We publish a wide range of topical titles in this subject area. Have a browse through the different categories on the left to get a flavour of what is covered.

We are particularly well-known for our atlases on social geography and inequality which have featured widely in the media – look out for The human atlas of Europe and People and places in 2016.

Showing 37-48 of 112 items.

Protest Camps in International Context

Spaces, Infrastructures and Media of Resistance

Through a series of interdisciplinary case studies, this topical collection is the first to focus on protest camps as unique organisational forms that transcend particular social movements’ contexts. The book offers a critical understanding of current protest events and will help better understanding of new global forms of democracy in action.

Policy Press

Directly Elected Mayors in Urban Governance

Impact and Practice

Edited by David Sweeting

This book is about the practices, roles and impacts of directly elected mayors in the cities that they govern. The volume draws on recent, original research evidence, to locate the debates on directly elected mayors in context in Europe, the US, and Australasia.

Policy Press

Who Stole the Town Hall?

The End of Local Government as We Know It

Arguing that the UK Government intends to privatise all local services through its devolution agenda, Peter Latham proposes a new basis for federal, regional and local democracy, including land value taxation and a wealth tax.

Policy Press

The Essential Guide to Planning Law

Decision-Making and Practice in the UK

Written in an accessible style, this comprehensive yet concise text book gives students essential background and contextual information supported by practical and applied discussion to help even those with no planning law knowledge engage in the subject and understand planning in the real world.

Policy Press

Localism and Neighbourhood Planning

Power to the People?

A critical analysis of neighbourhood planning. Setting empirical evidence from the UK against international examples, the Editors engage in broader debates on the purposes of planning and the devolution of power to localities.

Policy Press

Rethinking Sustainable Cities

Accessible, Green and Fair

Edited by David Simon

Makes a significant contribution to the sustainable urbanisation agenda through authoritative interventions contextualising, assessing and explaining the relevance and importance of three central characteristics of sustainable towns and cities everywhere; that they be accessible, green and fair.

Policy Press

Health Divides

Where You Live Can Kill You

Clare Bambra examines the social, environmental, economic and political causes of health inequalities, how they have evolved over time and what they are like today. Revealing gaps in life expectancy of up to 25 years between places just a few miles apart, this important book demonstrates that where you live can kill you.

Policy Press

Spatial Planning and Resilience Following Disasters

International and Comparative Perspectives

International contributors from academia, research, policy and practice use their experience and knowledge to explore on-going efforts to improve spatial resilience across the globe and predict future trends.

Policy Press

Locating Localism

Statecraft, Citizenship and Democracy

Combines political theory with attention to political practice to explore the development of localism as a new mode of statecraft. It highlights the challenges of the state devolving itself and the importance of citizens having the freedom, incentives and institutions needed to act.

Policy Press

Substance Not Spin

An Insider's View of Success and Failure in Government

Based on his personal experience at the heart of government and the voluntary sector, Nick Raynsford, a former MP, Minister and campaigner, explores making and implementing policy and legislation. He gives an ‘insider’s view’ on a range of events, some not previously made public, making a fascinating bridge across the policy and practice divide.

Policy Press

Cities for a Small Continent

International Handbook of City Recovery

Through varied case studies this original book compares changes between Northern and Southern European countries, bigger and smaller cities over 10 years, to present a compelling framework showing how Europe’s post-industrial cities are striving to combat environmental and social unravelling.

Policy Press

English Planning in Crisis

10 Steps to a Sustainable Future

This book is a manifesto for a new planning system in England. Reflecting on controversial new Government reforms and deregulation, the authors draw on policy and practice examples from across the UK and internationally to challenge the current English system and ignite debate about its future.

Policy Press