The Neoliberal City, Democracy and Participation

This paper outlines some characteristics of neoliberalism and examines their impact upon the city and upon democracy and participation in urban spaces. The paper first maps out some themes of neoliberal ideals. Following this, and focusing in particular on the United Kingdom, it explores how neoliberalism has embedded itself in cities. The paper then discusses how neoliberalism employs a language of democracy and participation in order to draw people into its orbit. Four interrelated strategies are mapped out to demonstrate how neoliberalism achieves these goals. The final substantive section argues that counter-neoliberal strategies can be forged by ordinary community members in and against neoliberalism. The article concludes with some final thoughts.