Seeking Spatial Justice

Seeking Spatial Justice by Edward W. Soja examines the Los Angeles Bus Riders Union's legal victory against the Metropolitan Transit Authority in 1996, which compelled the reorientation of the city's mass transit system to better serve its impoverished residents, illustrating a remarkable instance of spatial justice. Soja argues that justice has a geographic dimension and asserts that the fair distribution of resources, services, and access is a fundamental human right. By incorporating theory and practice, he offers fresh perspectives on comprehending and transforming unjust geographies. Soja traces the development of spatial justice and the right to the city from influential thinkers like Henri Lefebvre and David Harvey, then presents case studies in Los Angeles, a leading city in this movement. He explores labor-community coalitions such as Justice for Janitors and the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy, as well as struggles for rent control and environmental justice. Additionally, the book highlights the contributions of the UCLA Department of Urban Planning faculty and students in developing the theory and implementation of spatial justice. By framing spatial justice as a theoretical concept, empirical analysis, and a strategy for social and political action, this work enriches ongoing discussions on justice, space, and urban environments.