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.
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.
Directly Elected Mayors in Urban Governance
Impact and Practice
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rethinking Sustainable Cities
Accessible, Green and Fair
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.