Work

Urban power and political agency: reflections on a study of local economic development in Johannesburg and Leeds

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: "Does politics matter?" is an enduring question in urban studies. This paper contributes to the debate by exploring the agency of city leaders in local economic development policy in Johannesburg (South Africa) and Leeds (UK). In place of the conventional (though valid) focus on structural constraint under neoliberalism, we show how decisions by leaders ostensibly committed to social inclusion contributed to outcomes aggravating social exclusion. Whatever structural constraints pertain, the failures of local economic development must be attributed, in part, to decisions made and actions taken in response to acknowledged policy dilemmas. An agency-centred perspective poses important questions about the potential for city government to pursue progressive and inclusionary policies.

Source: Human Science Research Council SA

DOI: 10.14749/32386542

Author: Human Sciences Research Council

Language: English

Topic: Local Economic Development and Planning

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

Funder: Human Sciences Research Council

OpenAlex ID: W7162198684

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