Since its birth, industrial capitalism has been punctuated by the need to find new ways to develop institutions that make the capitalist production process socially sustainable. These transitions are examined in the contemporary climate by a collection of world renowned thinkers.

Framing the issues at stake1 Western capitalism in transition: global processes, local challenges – Alberta Andreotti, David Benassi, Yuri Kazepov2 A child of its times: the “new urban sociology” in context and its legacy – Michael HarloePart I: The transformations of global capitalism3 Abstract from the concrete: capitalism spiralling out of control – David Harvey4 Rethinking social reproduction in an era of the dominance of finance capital – Gavin Smith5 On the social (dis)embedding of the economy in a local context: where anthropology and sociology share metaphors as analytical tools – Simone GhezziPart II: Welfare capitalism and rights6 The underclass and international comparison, variety and universalism – Jean-Claude Barbier7 Welfare migration and civic stratification: Britain's emergent rights regime – Lydia Morris8 The Mediterranean welfare states between recalibration and change in the cultural paradigm – Nicola Negri and Chiara SaracenoPart III: Citizenship and migration9 Deconstructing labour demand: implications for low wage employment – Saskia Sassen10 International migrations and the Mediterranean – Enrico Pugliese11 Cities under economic austerity: the return of citizenship claims – Marisol GarcíaPart IV: Cities and urban transformations12 The sense of touch – Richard Sennett13 Urban disorder and the transformation of global governance – Sophie Body-Gendrot14 Urban political economy beyond convergence: robust but differentiated unequal European cities – Patrick Le GalèsPart V: Segregation and the spatial dimension of poverty15 The spatial dimension of poverty – Susan S. Fainstein and Norman Fainstein16 Urban segregation, inequalities and local welfare: the challenges of neoliberalisation – Marco Oberti and Edmond Préteceille17 Urban poverty and social cohesion: lessons from Naples – Enrica MorlicchioPerspectives on the future of western capitalism18 The double movement and the perspectives of contemporary capitalism – Enzo MingioneIndex

Over the last thirty years capitalism in the West has undergone a process of radical change that has erased the world we knew during the post-war ‘Golden Age’. Processes of globalisation and financialisation, coupled with mass migration, demographic transitions and the pressures on the welfare state, have brought about steep increases in inequality and a polarisation between winners and losers that challenges the very nature of citizenship. The redefinition of class structure and the transformation of existing patterns of social inclusion have both had a profound impact on the social fabric. This book explores – from different disciplinary perspectives – how Western capitalism has changed, and the consequences of these changes for individuals’ lives and communities. The argument throughout is framed by Karl Polanyi’s theories regarding the embeddedness of the economic in the social, and the dynamic relationship between these two aspects. Specific areas of change are discussed under five headings: the transform tions of global capitalism; welfare capitalism and rights; citizenship and migration; cities and urban transformation; and segregation and the spatial dimensions of poverty. The international array of contributors take into consideration the interplay of micro and macro factors to produce a developed analysis. Chapters focus on the uneven effects of capitalism, on the manifold social conflicts that are emerging and on the potential for the defensive mobilisation of individuals and social movements. By combining theory and empirical analysis and adopting a comparative perspective, the authors provide insights into the dynamics of change and the resulting winners and losers.

'Two aspects constitute the value added by this book. First, it defines a framework for addressing issues related to Western capitalism throughout the various sections. Secondly, and strictly related to the issues being faced, innovative and inclusive initiatives to overcome the pessimistic vision are discussed in this book. [...] Progressive social movements, new political parties and traditional social democratic parties are being challenged to reinvent social contracts.'Federico Camerin, Journal of Urban Regeneration and Renewal, Vol. 13, No. 2, November 2019