Naming Rights, Place Branding, and the Cultural Landscapes of Neoliberal Urbanism

The selling of naming rights is a common practice in urban policy to generate revenue for infrastructure. This practice has roots in philanthropic gifting and sports commercialization but has become an integral part of neoliberal urbanism. This edited collection examines the political economy and cultural politics of urban place naming, highlighting how the commodification of naming rights is transforming the cultural landscapes of contemporary cities. Case studies range from sports arenas to public transit stations, illustrating the diverse ways in which toponymic commodification is reshaping public places into commodities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In recent years, urban policymakers have increasingly turned to selling naming rights as a means of generating revenue to fund the construction and maintenance of urban infrastructure. This practice, known as toponymic commodification, has its origins in the history of philanthropic gifting and the commercialization of professional sports but has now become an integral part of the policy toolkit of neoliberal urbanism. As a result, the naming of everything from sports arenas to public transit stations has become a sponsorship opportunity, with companies and organizations vying for the chance to associate their names with these iconic landmarks.

However, these naming rights initiatives have not been without controversy. Some critics argue that they undermine the cultural significance of public places, turning them into mere commercial entities. Others argue that they perpetuate inequality and segregation by favoring wealthy corporations and institutions over marginalized communities.

This edited collection examines the political economy and cultural politics of urban place naming and considers how the commodification of naming rights is transforming the cultural landscapes of contemporary cities. Drawing upon case studies ranging from the selling of naming rights for sports arenas in European cities and metro stations in Dubai to the role of philanthropic naming in the Facebookification of San Francisco's gentrifying neighborhoods, the contributions to this book highlight the diverse ways in which toponymic commodification is reshaping the identities of public places into time-limited, rent-generating commodities.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of Urban Geography, a leading journal in the field of urban studies. The editors of this collection have brought together a diverse group of scholars and practitioners to explore the complex and multifaceted implications of toponymic commodification. The book provides a valuable insight into the ways in which urban spaces are being transformed by the commercialization of naming rights and the broader implications of these changes on the production of urban space.

In conclusion, the selling of naming rights has become a significant trend in urban policy in recent decades. While it has the potential to generate revenue and promote economic growth, it also raises important questions about the cultural and social implications of these changes. This edited collection provides a comprehensive examination of the political economy and cultural politics of urban place naming and offers valuable insights into the ways in which toponymic commodification is reshaping the urban landscape.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367756260