An Urban Politics of Enchantment

Abstract

In line with Jane Bennett, we have defended the position that disenchantment presents an ethical and political danger, insofar as that affective condition can lead to resignation, apathy, and the closing of one’s community of care, all of which depoliticises a citizenry. It is no good developing an incisive and penetrating theory that sheds light on the political economy of sustainability if there are not animated citizens ready and willing to live it into existence. This speaks to the affective foundations of politics, too often ignored, which is why we have been exploring the need for an ‘urban politics of enchantment’. In this closing chapter, we restate our central ideas and review our learnings from our various urban tramps.