Forthcoming in 2008
Enemies of Progress by Austin Williams (Imprint Academic)
This book examines the concept of sustainability and presents a critical exploration of its all-pervasive influence on society. Each chapter examines a particular guise of 'sustainability'; from architecture to energy policy, from first world to underdeveloped world. It is, the author argues, a pernicious, corrosive doctrine that has survived primarily because there seems to be no alternative to its canon: in effect, its bi-partisan appeal has depressed critical engagement and neutered politics.
The
Future of Community: Reports of a Death Greatly Exaggerated,
(eds) Martin Earnshaw, Dave Clements, Alastair Donald & Austin
Williams
The book argues that the current understanding of community is not only inadequate, but counter-productive to the formation of real social solidarity. It offers a genuine alternative - one that embraces the notion of a voluntaristic, more assertive and ultimately more meaningful view of what it is to be an 'active' citizen in an 'active' community.
Existing publications
Attitudes to the City by Martin Earnshaw
This Attitudes to the City research paper investigates the attitudes that people have towards crime and anti-social behaviour and how their views reflect - or impact upon - their primary concerns of city life in the UK. It explores issues that are often regarded as 'problems' for cities and society.
