The Practice of Collective Escape
Politics, Justice and Community in Urban Growing Projects
By Helen Traill
ISBN
978-1529220698Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressISBN
978-1529220681Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressISBN
978-1529220704Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressISBN
978-1529220704Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University Press
The Practice of Collective Escape
Escape is an enticing idea in contemporary cities across the world. Austerity, climate breakdown and spatial stigma have led to retreatist behaviours such as gated communities, enclave urbanism and white flight. By contrast, urban community growing projects are often considered by practitioners and commentators as communal havens in a stressful cityscape.
Drawing on ethnographic research in urban growing projects in Glasgow, this book explores the spatial politics and dynamics of community, asking who benefits from such projects and how they relate to the wider city. A timely consideration of localism and community empowerment, the book sheds light on key issues of urban land use, the right to the city and the value of social connection.
“This accessible and engaging book elaborates the symphonic nature of 'place' as it is produced and claimed by those who dwell within. This is a book that anyone interested in community building, the concept of place and the everyday politics of urban life would find worthwhile, whether they are a casual reader, student, practitioner or academic.” Megan Blake, University of Sheffield
Helen Traill is Lecturer in Political Economy and Sustainability at the Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow.
1. Introduction
2. Urban Growing in Glasgow
3. The Rhythms of Urban Escape
4. Who Gets to Escape?
5. Ownership, Autonomy and the Commons
6. Escape into Responsibility
7. Field Dynamics and Stretegic Neutrality
8. The Political Imagination of Common Justice
9. Escape, Crisis and Social Change
10. Conclusion
