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35 pages 1 hour read

Mike Davis

Planet of Slums

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2005

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Planet of Slums by Mike Davis chronicles the global spread of urban poverty, noting that over a billion people live in slum conditions as classified by the UN. Highlighting the impact of postcolonial neoliberal policies, IMF debt-restructuring measures, and widening socioeconomic divides, Davis argues that urbanization in developing countries has led to entrenched poverty with minimal prospects for improvement. Topics include extreme poverty and bleak living conditions.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Mike Davis's Planet of Slums offers a meticulous examination of urban poverty worldwide, illustrating the devastating impact of rapid urbanization on the marginalized. Praised for its depth and critical insight, the book is also critiqued for its dense, sometimes pessimistic tone. Overall, it's a compelling, albeit intense, study of global inequality and urban slum conditions.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Planet of Slums?

Readers who would enjoy Planet of Slums by Mike Davis are typically interested in urban studies, social justice, and global poverty. Comparable to The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein and Evicted by Matthew Desmond, these readers appreciate incisive socio-economic critique and in-depth examinations of marginalized communities.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

21st century

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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