Hope Under Neoliberal Austerity

"Communities are the foundation of our collective future, the examples in this book show there is reason to hope it will be better than our past." Chi Onwurah, MP, Newcastle Central

“A fascinating read which should be required reading for anyone who wants to understand the uneven impact of austerity on communities.” Lord Kerslake, Crossbench Peer and former Head of the Civil Service

“The book calls for a richer tapestry of intermediate institutions between the individual and the state, offering a route to empowerment. The case studies illuminate how universities can help to build social capital – crucial to renewal.” Will Hutton, Academy of Social Sciences

Mel Steer is Vice Chancellor’s Research Fellow at Northumbria University.

Simin Davoudi is Professor of Environment and Planning at the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape at Newcastle University.

Mark Shucksmith OBE is Professor of Planning at the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape at Newcastle University.

Liz Todd is Professor of Educational Inclusion at the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences at Newcastle University.

1. Islands of Hope in a Sea of Despair: Civil Society in an Age of Austerity

2. The North East of England: Place, Economy and People

Part 1: The Public Sector and Civil Society

3. The Public Sector and Civil Society: Introduction

4. Innovation Outside the State: The Glendale Gateway Trust

5. The Byker Community Trust and the ‘Byker Approach’

6. Café Society: Transforming Community Through Quiet Activism and Reciprocity

7. ‘Computer Says No’: Exploring Social Justice in Digital Services

8. Drive to Thrive: A Place-Based Approach to Tackling Poverty in Gateshead

9. City of Dreams: Enabling Children and Young People’s Cultural Participation and Civic Voice in Newcastle and Gateshead

10. Are We ‘All in This Together?’: Reflecting on the Continuities Between Austerity and COVID-19 Crises

Part 2: The Civic University

11. The Civic University: Introduction

12. Reinventing a Civic Role for the 21st-Century: The Cathedral and the University

13. Realising the Potential of Universities for Inclusive, Innovation-Led Development: The Case of the Newcastle City Futures Urban Living Partnership Pilot

14. Future Homes: Developing New Responses Through New Organisations

15. The Good, the Bad and the Disconcerting: A Week in the Life of University Project Based Learning for Schools

16. The Containment of Democratic Innovation: Reflections from Two University Collaborations

17. Citizen Power, the University and the North East

18. So What is a University in Any Case?: A Grass-roots Perspective on the University and Urban Social Justice

19. Conclusion: Hope in an Age of Austerity and a Time of Anxiety