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Planet of Slums: A Journey Through the Dark Side of Globalization

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Published in Planet Of Slums Mike Davis

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In his groundbreaking book, Planet of Slums, Mike Davis exposes the devastating impact of globalization on urban centers around the world, leading to the proliferation of slums and the displacement of millions.

Planet of Slums

by Mike Davis

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	894 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages

Drawing on years of research and on-the-ground reporting, Davis paints a grim picture of the conditions in which the urban poor live in both the developing and developed world. He shows how slums are not merely isolated pockets of poverty, but rather an integral part of the global economy, providing cheap labor and services for the wealthy.

Chapter 1: The Global Slumscape

Davis begins his book by providing a comprehensive overview of the global slumscape. He shows how slums are not confined to the developing world, but are also found in the heart of the world's wealthiest cities.

Davis argues that the growth of slums is a direct result of globalization, which has led to the displacement of millions of people. He shows how the displacement of farmers and villagers has been caused by a variety of factors, including the expansion of cash crops, the construction of dams and other infrastructure projects, and the liberalization of trade policies.

Chapter 2: The Informal City

In Chapter 2, Davis focuses on the informal city, which he defines as the area of a city that is not controlled by the state. He shows how the informal city is home to the majority of the urban poor, and how it is characterized by a lack of basic services and infrastructure.

Davis argues that the informal city is not simply a product of poverty, but rather a consequence of the way that cities are governed. He shows how the state often fails to provide basic services to the urban poor, and how this failure leads to the growth of slums and informal settlements.

Chapter 3: The Violence of Eviction

In Chapter 3, Davis examines the violence of eviction, which he argues is a key feature of the global slumscape. He shows how slums are often cleared by governments and developers, often with the use of force.

Davis argues that the eviction of slum dwellers is a form of violence that has a devastating impact on the urban poor. He shows how eviction can lead to homelessness, unemployment, and poverty.

Chapter 4: The Future of Slums

In Chapter 4, Davis looks to the future of slums. He argues that the growth of slums is likely to continue as a result of the ongoing processes of globalization and urbanization.

Davis also discusses the potential for resistance to the growth of slums. He shows how the urban poor are increasingly organizing themselves to fight for their rights, and how they are demanding access to basic services and housing.

Planet of Slums is a powerful and disturbing book that exposes the dark side of globalization. Davis's research and reporting provide a vivid account of the conditions in which the urban poor live, and he shows how slums are an integral part of the global economy.

Planet of Slums is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing the world's cities in the 21st century.

About the Author

Mike Davis is a historian and author who has written extensively about cities, urbanization, and social movements. He is a professor at the University of California, Riverside, and the author of several books, including City of Quartz, The Ecology of Fear, and Planet of Slums.

Planet of Slums

by Mike Davis

4.3 out of 5