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Analysing a private city being built from scratch through a social and environmental justice framework: A research agenda

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  • Sarah Moser

    (McGill University, Canada)

  • Nufar Avni

    (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel)

Abstract

A growing body of scholarship examines new cities being built from scratch that are developed and governed by the private sector. While this scholarship explores discourse and rhetoric, economic objectives, and some social and environmental impacts of new private cities, scholars to date have not taken a social or environmental justice approach to analysing new city projects. In this article we examine Forest City, a private city project being built on artificial islands off the coast of Malaysia by one of China’s largest property development companies, and its unique governance and claims to being ‘eco’, despite the significant environmental damage it has caused. Intended as a lush and exclusive gated enclave for Chinese nationals, Forest City is a productive case study through which to consider the consequences of a private city using the frameworks of social and environmental justice. We suggest more critical research that engages with social and environmental justice is needed on the many emerging projects branded as eco-cities of the future, a troubling claim that signals a growing normalisation of mega-scale privatisation and loose or absent regulations regarding social inclusivity and environmental protection.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Moser & Nufar Avni, 2024. "Analysing a private city being built from scratch through a social and environmental justice framework: A research agenda," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 61(8), pages 1545-1562, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:61:y:2024:i:8:p:1545-1562
    DOI: 10.1177/00420980231211814
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    References listed on IDEAS

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