Reimagining the Urban Commons in Italy

Introduction

Building and expanding on the literature of case studies of urban commons that have emerged which question the development of urban commons theories and concepts and identify results and contradictions, this edited collection progresses our understanding of the different aspects, characteristics, challenges, contradictions and potential of the urban commons in Italy.

Case Studies and Contexts

Presenting different case studies of urban commons and socially innovative and democratic practices in Italian cities, the chapters analyse the different contexts and specific political and socio-economic needs that are being addressed.

Actors and Dynamics

Uncovering the motivations, discourse and actions of the different actors involved as well as the dynamics among them, the authors investigate negotiating with commons actors and the state involving conflict, negotiation and collaboration, as well as the relationship with the surrounding urban environment and local institutions and how they intertwine.

Challenges to Urban Development

In which ways do the urban commons and their socially innovative governance challenge the urban development model?

Right to the City

In which manners do urban commons initiatives advance the right to the city?

Community Contributions and Social Innovation

How do territorial and local communities contribute to the creation and diffusion of social innovation, recognising its structuring effect?

Disciplinary Perspectives

With chapters written by scholars with expertise in urban studies, sociology and political science, this collection is a multidisciplinary effort needed to fully understand an evolving phenomenon in social sciences.

Conclusion

It is an important contribution to theoretic debates on the urban commons in Italy, wider Europe, and beyond.