Overview

From parks and libraries to pubs and schools, social infrastructures are the everyday places that bring people together, support community life, and foster connection. As interest in the concept grows, this timely and accessible edited collection offers a comprehensive overview of social infrastructure—its origins, development, and practical impact. Packed with innovative case studies from the UK, Europe, Australia, and the US, it highlights how these shared spaces can shape urban life and wellbeing. Featuring contributions from leading scholars, the book provides a vital framework for understanding and researching places that support social connection in an increasingly fragmented world.

Full Product Details

Author:   Peter Dirksmeier (Leibniz University Hannover) ,  Angelina Göb ,  Liza Griffin (University College London) ,  Kay Pallaris
Publisher:   Bristol University Press
Imprint:   Bristol University Press
ISBN:  

9781529241594

ISBN 10:   1529241596
Pages:   368
Publication Date:   28 May 2026
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  College/higher education ,  Professional & Vocational ,  Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

Introduction: 1. Introducing the book - Alan Latham and Jack Layton 2. The concept of social infrastructure, where it came from and why it’s useful - Alan Latham and Jack Layton Part 2: The spaces, facilities and institutions of social infrastructure 3. Libraries - Angelina Göb and Peter Dirksmeier 4. Parks- Liza Griffin 5. Public squares - Hannah Widmer 6. Schools - Beth Perry and Lee Crookes 7. Co-working spaces - Irene Ceinar 8. Pubs, cafes, and bars - Regan Koch and Alan Latham Part 3: The social lives of social infrastructure 9. Civic organising - Lindsay Campbell, Erika Svedsen, and Michelle Johnson 10. Amateur football - David Trouille and Michael DeLand 11. Social networks - Alasdair Jones 12. Inclusivity and conviviality - Sarah Neal 13. Spaces for neighbourhood - Danille Drozdzewski and Natasha Webster Part 4: Making social cities 14. Play Streets: Alison Stenning 15. Making Space for Girls - Julia King and Make Space for Girls 16. Walkability in North America - David Pryterch 17. Retaining community space - Pablo Sendra Part 5: Understanding problems in towns and cities 18. Elder people - Sophie Yarker 19. Responses to Covid-19 - Anna-Lisa Mueller, Leonie Tuitjer, and Gesine Tuitjer 20. Active travel and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) - Rachel Aldred, Ersilia Verlinghieri, and Asa Thomas 21. Changing use of libraries - Salene Schloffel-Armstrong 22. Austerity and left-behind towns - John Tomaney Conclusions: A Politics of Providing and Sustaining Social Infrastructure Part 6: Conclusions: A Politics of Providing and Sustaining Social Infrastructure 23. Conclusions - Alan Latham and Jack Layton 24. Afterword - Eric Klinenberg

Reviews

'Want to know more about social infrastructure? Look no further. This well-edited book introduces the concept, providing a helpful overview of its emergence and usage across the social sciences.' Kevin Ward, University of Manchester

Author Information

Alan Latham is Professor of Human Geography at University College London. Jack Layton is Place Impact and Research Manager in the Institute for Community Studies at The Young Foundation.

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