Theoretical frameworks and political uses of the concept of public space under neoliberalism in the city of Cuernavaca, Mexico

Abstract

In the construction of the neoliberal city, public space has become a central concept with widespread use in academic and political discourses and agendas. Its utilization has become polysemic, ideological, and even highly idealized when it comes to legitimizing the capitalist management of cities and hiding the social inequalities that generate such interventions. What is the use of the concept of public space to the State and to neoliberal governments and how do they use it? The answer to this question is developed throughout the paper through a qualitative study whose methodology is to understand and interpret in order to transform (Massey, 1984).