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‘I LEARNED TO MAKE A LOT MORE SPACE IN MYSELF FOR OTHER PEOPLE’: Examining the Negotiation of Hegemonic and Alternative Values in the Urban Commons

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  • Emma Jo Griffith
  • Justus Uitermark

Abstract

In this article, we examine the urban commons through the concept of subjectivity. We attend to the ways in which alternative and hegemonic values are negotiated among different commoners and within individual commoners. Which challenges do commoners face as they pursue alternative values within the context of capitalist urbanization? What sorts of subjectivities do people develop by participating in the commons? How do different commoner subjectivities form, align or collide? Drawing on a study of three housing projects in the Netherlands, we show how commoners struggle to redefine hegemonic notions of work, responsibility and sharing. Our findings suggest that realizing the commons is not just about finding the right institutional configuration, but hinges on the development of alternative dispositions, affects and relations.

Suggested Citation

  • Emma Jo Griffith & Justus Uitermark, 2025. "‘I LEARNED TO MAKE A LOT MORE SPACE IN MYSELF FOR OTHER PEOPLE’: Examining the Negotiation of Hegemonic and Alternative Values in the Urban Commons," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 49(4), pages 912-928, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ijurrs:v:49:y:2025:i:4:p:912-928
    DOI: 10.1111/1468-2427.13332
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lazaros Karaliotas, 2017. "Staging Equality in Greek Squares: Hybrid Spaces of Political Subjectification," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 41(1), pages 54-69, January.
    2. Heather Dorries, 2023. "INDIGENOUS URBANISM AS AN ANALYTIC: Towards Indigenous Urban Theory," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(1), pages 110-118, January.
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    4. Lorenzo Vidal, 2019. "Cooperative Islands in Capitalist Waters: Limited‐equity Housing Cooperatives, Urban Renewal and Gentrification," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(1), pages 157-178, January.
    5. Amrita Chhachhi & Tim Forsyth & Craig Johnson, 2014. "Elinor Ostrom's Legacy: Governing the Commons and the Rational Choice Controversy," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 45(5), pages 1093-1110, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Cameron Duff, 2026. "The labour of attachment: On commoning in Naarm," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 58(2), pages 216-232, March.

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