Markets, Capitalism and Urban Space in India: Right to Sell

This book explores the right to the city, informal economies, and non-western neoliberal governance in India by examining the tensions between growth imperative, market activism, and corporatization. It provides a theoretical explanation of why and how states attempt to curb, control, and eliminate markets of urban informal street vendors, focusing on Kolkata. It offers a non-western counter to accounts of neoliberalism and is of interest to academics in South Asian Studies, Urban Studies, and Political Economy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The right to the city, informal economies, and the non-Western shape of neoliberal governance in India are explored in this book through a novel analytical lens: the right to sell. The book delves into the reasons and methods employed by states to restrict, regulate, and eradicate markets of urban informal street vendors. By focusing on Kolkata, the author offers a theoretical framework to understand this puzzle by examining the inherent conflicts among the key components of neoliberal governance, such as the growth imperative, market activism, and corporatization. Through a comprehensive analysis of these tensions, the author demonstrates their implications for the boundaries between the formal and informal economies.

This book is a valuable addition to the existing literature on the right to the city, informal economies, and the diverse manifestations of neoliberalism in the non-West. It presents a non-Western perspective on neoliberalism, challenging conventional accounts and appealing to scholars engaged in the fields of South Asian Studies, Urban Studies, and Political Economy.

The book begins by examining the historical and political context in which the right to sell has emerged in India. It highlights the struggles of street vendors, who are often marginalized and excluded from formal economic opportunities, to assert their rights and livelihoods. The author argues that the right to sell is not merely a legal or economic issue but also a political one, as it involves the contestation of power and control over urban spaces and resources.

The book then delves into the theoretical framework developed to understand the dynamics of the right to sell. The author proposes a tripartite model of neoliberal governance, which includes the state, market actors, and civil society. Each of these actors plays a distinct role in shaping the market and regulating the activities of street vendors. The state, for instance, is primarily concerned with promoting economic growth and development, while the market is seen as a mechanism for allocating resources efficiently. However, the market is also characterized by its volatility and unpredictability, which can lead to the exploitation of street vendors by powerful actors.

The book further explores the tensions between these three actors and their implications for the right to the city. The author argues that the growth imperative of neoliberal governance often clashes with the needs and interests of street vendors, who are often excluded from formal economic opportunities. Market activism, on the other hand, seeks to empower street vendors and promote their rights and livelihoods. However, the corporatization of urban spaces and resources has led to the marginalization of street vendors and the consolidation of power in the hands of a few dominant actors.

To address these challenges, the book proposes a range of policy interventions and strategies. These include the recognition of street vendors as legitimate economic actors, the provision of legal and regulatory frameworks that protect their rights and livelihoods, and the promotion of inclusive and sustainable urban development practices. The book also emphasizes the importance of community-based organizations and networks in advocating for the rights of street vendors and promoting their inclusion in formal economic systems.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the right to the city, informal economies, and the non-Western shape of neoliberal governance in India. It provides a valuable contribution to the existing literature on these topics and offers a non-Western perspective on neoliberalism, challenging conventional accounts and appealing to scholars engaged in the fields of South Asian Studies, Urban Studies, and Political Economy. The book's theoretical framework and policy recommendations are likely to be of interest to policymakers, activists, and scholars alike who are committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable urban development practices.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367465728