Lecture Notes: Introduction to Professor David Harvey and Urbanization

Introduction to David Harvey

• Distinguished Professor of Geography at the Graduate Center of the City of New York.
• Influential critical social theorist of the past 50 years.
• Known works: "Social Justice and the City", "Paris, Capital of Modernity", "The Condition of Postmodernity", "A Brief History of Neoliberalism".
• Renowned for his analysis of urbanization and social justice.

Key Concepts Discussed by David Harvey

Urbanization and Self-Transformation

• Cities are a reflection of human desires and social processes.
• Urbanization is not just about building cities; it's about transforming ourselves and our social relations.
• The urban process has been rapid and transformative over the past 100-300 years.

Capitalism and Urbanization

• Capitalism requires the absorption of capital surpluses.
• Urbanization often serves as a method to absorb these surpluses.
• Historical examples include Paris under Haussmann and post-WWII urban development in the United States.

Historical Case Studies

• Paris (1850-1870): Transformed by Haussmann to absorb surplus capital and labor.
• Post-WWII U.S.: Urban restructuring absorbed surplus capital after the war, with huge suburban developments.

Modern Urbanization

• Rapid urban growth in China, Latin America, and other global cities.
• Urbanization linked with economic booms in countries like Chile and Australia due to demand for resources.

Challenges of Urbanization

• Urban inequality: islands of privilege amidst decay.
• Urbanization driven by financial interests rather than public needs.
• Neoliberal policies prioritize financial stability and a "good business climate" over public welfare.

Financialization and Influence

• 1975 New York financial crisis restructured the city to prioritize financial interests.
• Globalization of finance: petrodollars and international lending transformed New York into a global financial center.
• Increasing influence of financial institutions on urban policy.

Neoliberalism and Urban Policy

• Shift towards governance models involving public-private partnerships.
• Emphasis on creating business-friendly environments.
• Consequences of neoliberal policies include increased urban inequality and gentrification.

Critique and Reflection

• Harvey questions whether current urbanization reflects our "heart's desire".
• Encourages critical reflection on the kind of cities and societies we want to create.
• Describes social movements aiming to challenge the current capitalist urban processes.

Questions and Discussion

• Public suspicion of corporate power and regulatory environments.
• The role of social movements in challenging global capitalist structures.
• Discussion on efficiency myths between public and private sectors.

Final Thoughts

• The need for awareness and understanding of the systemic issues in urbanization.
• Encourage active participation in reshaping urban environments to reflect collective desires rather than purely financial motives.