Social Democracy and Urban Politics

The contemporary left is torn between two electorates: socially conservative working-class voters and a liberally inclined middle class. Are politics and policies that appeal to both even a possibility? Nowhere is this dilemma more acute than in the bigger cities; and yet, in no other political space are answers more likely to be found. It is here that a new progressive coalition is being shaped between social democratic, green, and radical left parties, driven by new policies and a changing interface towards social movements, but also internal competition over voters.

Social democracy and urban politics delves into the changing relationship between these three-party families on the urban scene. Through a set of case studies and conceptual chapters, this book examines the electoral geography, governing strategies, and mobilisation of the broad left. Attention is directed towards the structural conditions of European cities as well as parties' response to them. The volume is further focused on the relationship between parties and civil society, and reflects upon how the left may learn from activism and localism outside of party structures.

If there is a future for social democratic politics, it requires lessons to be learnt and contradictions to be resolved. By homing in on unfolding processes in European cities, Social democracy and urban politics offers insight into the formation and dilemmas of a broader progressive alliance.

Nik. Brandal is Associate Professor at the Institute of Political Science and International Relations, Oslo New University College.
Øivind Bratberg is Senior Lecturer at the Department of Political Science, University of Oslo.