8)In 1968 French sociologist and philosopher HenriLefebvre argued that big cities should be places that encourage freedom of expression, play, and creativity;however, he noticed that big modern cities are shaped to reflect the interests of powerful corporations and capitalism (for example large impersonal shopping malls that serve the interests of consumer capitalism and whose construction often leads to the displacement of that area’s original working-class residents).Lefebvre observes that the poor, the working class, and other marginalized groups are denied a say in how cities are built and how social space is utilized.Moreover, he proposes that cities must be rebuilt in the interests of the oppressed. He refers to this as reclaiming the “right to the city”. Considering how the poor in society are considered to have less power,property, and prestige (Max Weber), how might you encourage these people to participate in creating a space that reflects their needs and interests? Also, how might you transform social relations within a city whereby power and control are wrested from elites and turned over to the masses? Side note: Around the1990s, Lefebvre’s concept of “right to the city” inspired social movements across the world, including in the U.S., France, Brazil, and the Philippines.
