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Josh Lees

Capitalism and cities: a critique of David Harvey's theory of urban development

Marxism 2024

When it comes to a socialist analysis of cities, David Harvey is a towering figure, with decades of influential writing on the subject. He offers a searing critique of how our urban environments are shaped by the priorities of capitalism, and champions urban rebellions. However, his analysis rests on a problematic reading of Marxism and capitalist crisis, and an approach to anti-capitalist resistance which takes us away from working class struggle, in favour of more ill-defined and ultimately ineffective struggles over space. This session will offer a critique of Harvey and an alternative Marxist approach.