Tales of Two Cities: Women and Municipal Restructuring in London and Toronto - Softcover

Bashevkin, Sylvia

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0774812796 ISBN 13: 9780774812795

Publisher: UBC Press, 2006

Synopsis

Tales of Two Cities explores the impact of disparate political institutions and leaders on the lives of women citizens in London, England, and Toronto, Ontario. Sylvia Bashevkin examines three dimensions of urban citizenship before and after the creation of the Greater London Authority, and before and after the forced amalgamation of local boroughs in Toronto. Although citizen engagement is relatively robust during periods of institutional decentralization and progressive urban leadership, it has generally been weaker when senior governments centralized power and conservative mayors held office.

Tales of Two Cities will attract readers who are concerned about cities and their citizens. The book challenges prevailing emphases on the economic and cultural contributions of cities, arguing that the crucial role of urban institutions and leaders in shaping the democratic experiences of local citizens cannot be ignored.

Clear, insightful, and prescient, Tales of Two Cities will appeal to those interested in civic affairs, political inclusion, and the future of democracy in major urban centres.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

In this thought-provoking book, Sylvia Bashevkin examines the consequences of divergent restructuring experiences in London and Toronto.

About the Author:

Sylvia Bashevkin is Principal of University College and a professor of political science at the University of Toronto.

About this edition

• Publisher: UBC Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0774812796
• ISBN 13: 9780774812795
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 200