Paper short abstract:

This contribution explores how local community currencies are used as resistance practices against the neo-liberal dominance of the city by applying Harvey's concept to the right of the city to the analysis of the Brixton Pound in London.

Paper long abstract:

This research explores how local community currencies are used as resistance practices against the neo-liberal dominance of the city by applying Harvey's concept to the right of the city to the analysis of the Brixton Pound in London.

The city is a site of political struggle. The concept of the right to the city developed by Harvey (2013) demands the right to change the city for urban dwellers, as our ways of life are influenced by the urban structures around us. Susser and Tonnelat (2013) developed this concept into three urban commons; common reliance on public services; use of shared public space; and collective artistic mobilisation. The progressive undermining of these commons has elicited a consciousness that has led to creative forms of resistance to counter the neo-liberal hegemony of the city. In this respect the city is the site of political struggle on political, economic and social fronts.

The Brixton pound (B£) is a local complementary currency started in 2009. It developed from the Transition Town group in the area, a movement which seeks to foster economic and social resilience. It was the first example of a local community currency in an urban area in the UK. In what ways does the B£ represent resistance against the neo-liberal dominance of the city? Is it part of a struggle for the urban commons? This research is based on ethnographic fieldwork with small traders in the Brixton area.