Tales of Two Cities

In the age of globalization, state restructuring is changing the political landscape. How does reshaping local government affect citizen involvement in public life? As cities move between centralized and decentralized governance and conservative and progressive leadership, what brings out the best and the worst in civic engagement?

In this thought-provoking book, Sylvia Bashevkin examines the consequences of divergent restructuring experiences in London and Toronto. By focusing on the forced amalgamation of local boroughs in Toronto and the creation of a new metropolitan authority in London, Tales of Two Cities explores the fallout for women as urban citizens. Ultimately, context is crucial to whether municipal change signals pessimism or promise.

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.