{"product_id":"mobilization-politics-governing-philadelphia-in-the-early-twenty-first-century-9781512826784","title":"Mobilization Politics: Governing Philadelphia in the Early Twenty-First Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHow grassroots activism transforms contemporary urban politics in Philadelphia and beyond\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eImmigration, gentrification, and the rise of an innovation-based economy are altering American cities. In \u003ci\u003eMobilization Politics\u003c\/i\u003e, Stephen J. McGovern offers a new approach to analyzing contemporary urban politics in light of these broad, societal changes. Redirecting the focus from the top-down orientation of regime theory toward a more bottom-up perspective, he contends that a striking upsurge in grassroots activism around issues such as policing and criminal justice reform, precarious labor, affordable housing, community development, and workforce diversity is transforming urban politics and policymaking. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThrough a detailed analysis of political activity in Philadelphia over the past decade, McGovern elucidates the mechanisms and impacts of grassroots mobilization. Philadelphia is typical of many large American cities with a relatively prosperous downtown core surrounded by neighborhoods that continue to struggle, sometimes amidst grinding poverty and long-standing racial oppression. And yet, Philadelphia, as a site of substantial grassroots activism since the early 2010s, has made significant strides in combatting economic and racial inequality in several important policy realms. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ci\u003eMobilization Politics\u003c\/i\u003e expands the scope of the field of urban politics beyond the quiet, behind-the-scenes bargaining of regime partners and considers other key arenas of political contestation--such as electoral politics; policymaking by the mayor, administrative agencies, and the city council; and a wide range of activist groups operating at the grassroots. The book shows how bottom-up mobilization has been especially effective when activists engaging in street protests and demonstrations have joined with more established community-based organizations and issue-advocacy groups skilled in lobbying, litigation, and electioneering. By highlighting how this combination of insider\/outsider activism has been a potent force for political change in contemporary Philadelphia, \u003ci\u003eMobilization Politics\u003c\/i\u003e presents a more comprehensive, dynamic, and revealing way to look at power and politics in American cities today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStephen J. McGovern is Professor of Political Science at Haverford College.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"University of Pennsylvania Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51183303000338,"sku":"9781512826784","price":63.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_a9abe9e7-9bf3-4101-a4ec-10183293fe62.jpg?v=1744462786","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/mobilization-politics-governing-philadelphia-in-the-early-twenty-first-century-9781512826784","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}