The everyday counter-city: Communities creating alternatives through reciprocal care, prefigurative action and subaltern urbanism

Cities are the physical embodiment of power, capital and state control. Yet urban centres are heterogeneous and multiple counter-cities are created within the bounds of the city - contesting the mainstream logic of capital accumulation and hierarchical relationships of power. While one may first envision counter-cities as large sites of protest and consciously alternative communities, everyday counter-cities are also possible. This article combines three theories to develop a framework of everyday counter-cities, drawing together subaltern urbanism, prefiguration and reciprocal relations of care. This paper uses this framework to analyse qualitative research conducted with communities in two informal settlements of migrant communities in Kolkata to explain how these seemingly ordinary places form counter-cities. This paper draws on these examples to argue that a counter-city founded on an ethos of care and anticipatory action for the future is possible, even within situations of high income disparity and inequality.

Automated summary

Cities embody power, capital, and state control, yet within them exist counter-cities that challenge dominant systems. This article combines subaltern urbanism, prefiguration, and care to develop a framework for everyday counter-cities. By analyzing qualitative research conducted with communities in Kolkata, the paper demonstrates how seemingly ordinary places can become counter-cities. It argues that a counter-city founded on care and anticipatory action is possible, even in situations of high income disparity and inequality.