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Urban crisis: The genealogy of a concept

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  • Timothy Weaver

Abstract

The term ‘urban crisis’ emerged in the USA in the 1950s. Ever since the term came into popular use, it has been mobilised to advance a range of political and economic interests. Utilising a genealogical approach, this article traces the evolution, uses and abuses of the concept. It suggests that the various meanings attached to the term are rooted in two overarching frameworks. While one finds the origins of urban crisis in structural, primarily material, forces, the other sees the crisis as grounded in culture and immorality. The article argues that the concept was deployed in the 1950s and 1960s to justify government intervention of various sorts to stimulate economic growth. However, it finds the fiscal crises of the 1970s gave rise to a dominant understanding of urban crisis that promoted the spread of urban neoliberalism.

Suggested Citation

  • Timothy Weaver, 2017. "Urban crisis: The genealogy of a concept," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 54(9), pages 2039-2055, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:54:y:2017:i:9:p:2039-2055
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098016640487
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Katz, Michael B., 2013. "The Undeserving Poor: America's Enduring Confrontation with Poverty: Fully Updated and Revised," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199933952.
    4. Jamie Peck & Nik Theodore & Neil Brenner, 2013. "Neoliberal Urbanism Redux?," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(3), pages 1091-1099, May.
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