"Housing is a Human Right!" It's a popular slogan, even in the halls of Parliament. But what are the politics, and the political economy, of making this slogan a reality in Vancouver and across Canada?
In an effort to grapple collectively with this question, members and friends of the Democratic Socialists of Vancouver are holding Spring and Summer Reading Group meet ups.
We'll be starting with a series of 4-6 meet ups to collectively read and discuss 'In Defense of Housing' by David Madden and Peter Marcuse, who passed away earlier this year.
Sunday May 29
3-5 pm
Mt Pleasant Park
16th Avenue and Ontario
This first session will provide an overview of the book, and is open to those who have not yet started reading. A short excerpt that provides an introduction to some of Madden and Marcuse's key arguments can be read here. We encourage readers to buy the book at a local independent bookstore, or directly from the publisher. (Email us directly if you need access to the book.)
The first session will provide an overview of the book, and is open to those who have not yet started reading. A short excerpt that provides an introduction to some of Madden and Marcuse's key arguments can be read here: https://www.versobooks.com/blogs/2962-whose-crisis-for-the-oppressed-housing-is-always-in-crisis
We encourage readers to buy the book at a local independent bookstore, or directly from the publisher. (Email us directly if you need access to the book.)
About the Book
Everyone needs and deserves housing. But today our homes are being transformed into commodities, making the inequalities of the city ever more acute. Profit has become more important than social need. The poor are forced to pay more for worse housing. Communities are faced with the violence of displacement and gentrification. And the benefits of decent housing are only available for those who can afford it.
In Defense of Housing is the definitive statement on this crisis from leading urban planner Peter Marcuse and sociologist David Madden. They look at the causes and consequences of the housing problem and detail the need for progressive alternatives. The housing crisis cannot be solved by minor policy shifts, they argue. Rather, the housing crisis has deep political and economic roots—and therefore requires a radical response.
About the Authors
David Madden is Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and the Cities Programme at the London School of Economics. He has published academic articles in some of the leading urban studies journals, and is Editor at the journal CITY. He has also published reviews and commentary in outlets including the LSE Review of Books, Washington Post and the Guardian.
Peter Marcuse was Emeritus Professor of Urban Planning at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. He wrote extensively in English as well as German, in the US, the UK and various other European countries. His work appeared in newspapers and magazines such as the Nation, New York Newsday, Monthly Review, Shelterforce and many others. Peter Marcuse died on March 4, 2022.