Hardback
Mobilities in a Turbulent Era
Exploring the complexities of mobility, this book questions prevailing views, highlights the risks and implications of mobility-centred policies, and argues for nuanced approaches to addressing mobility-related societal challenges.
More Information
Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
Exploring the complexities of mobility, this book questions prevailing views, highlights the risks and implications of mobility-centred policies, and argues for nuanced approaches to addressing mobility-related societal challenges.
In its seven chapters, the book examines the paradoxical nature of mobility, questions the dominance of competitive individualism, scrutinises the meritocratic principles that shape our society and mobility patterns, and ventures a glimpse into a speculative future of cyborg existence. Through metaphors from various fields and insurgent critical analyses, it underscores the need for a nuanced approach to issues of mobility and exposes the lack of sophistication in the prevailing pro-growth and innovation-driven transport developments. With a strong focus on social justice, at its core, the book calls for a reassessment of mobility-centred policies and practices, highlighting the terrible risks – but also the remarkable benefits – that mobility represents.
Diverse and interdisciplinary in nature, the critical approach taken in this means it will appeal not only to scholars in the mobility studies field but also to social scientists and policy makers more broadly concerned with the impact and dynamics of mobility on society.
In its seven chapters, the book examines the paradoxical nature of mobility, questions the dominance of competitive individualism, scrutinises the meritocratic principles that shape our society and mobility patterns, and ventures a glimpse into a speculative future of cyborg existence. Through metaphors from various fields and insurgent critical analyses, it underscores the need for a nuanced approach to issues of mobility and exposes the lack of sophistication in the prevailing pro-growth and innovation-driven transport developments. With a strong focus on social justice, at its core, the book calls for a reassessment of mobility-centred policies and practices, highlighting the terrible risks – but also the remarkable benefits – that mobility represents.
Diverse and interdisciplinary in nature, the critical approach taken in this means it will appeal not only to scholars in the mobility studies field but also to social scientists and policy makers more broadly concerned with the impact and dynamics of mobility on society.
Critical Acclaim
‘This well-researched and provocative book delves into the issue of overmobility, highlighting the need to address the problems it creates, as well as the dilemmas associated with finding effective solutions. Scholars and policymakers will find Ferreira''s suggestions for slowing down our movements and saving our planet transformative.’
– David Varady, University of Cincinnati, US
‘In his turbulent and radical critique of contemporary mobility planning, Ferreira purposefully sets out to disturb and disrupt the status quo. Providing a “kaleidoscopic approach” to understanding mobilities, he addresses such diverse issues as academic entrapment, competitive individualism and tethered cyborgs in discussion of the mobility regime. His always challenging, and sometimes frankly terrifying, exposé of the “double edge sword” of mobilities is a must read for anyone who influences decisions about the ways we move, and a wake-up call to do things differently to us all.’
– Karen Lucas, University of Manchester, UK
‘Mobility offers an ideal platform to discuss the challenges of contemporary society. We all use mobility; it unfolds right outside our doors and directly influences the quality of our lives. But too often, we take it for granted. Ferreira is the White Rabbit who invites us to explore what lies beneath the surface. Like venturing down a rabbit hole, he leads us through the maze, shedding light on the hidden problems and inspiring us on how to solve them.’
– Marco te Brömmelstroet, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
– David Varady, University of Cincinnati, US
‘In his turbulent and radical critique of contemporary mobility planning, Ferreira purposefully sets out to disturb and disrupt the status quo. Providing a “kaleidoscopic approach” to understanding mobilities, he addresses such diverse issues as academic entrapment, competitive individualism and tethered cyborgs in discussion of the mobility regime. His always challenging, and sometimes frankly terrifying, exposé of the “double edge sword” of mobilities is a must read for anyone who influences decisions about the ways we move, and a wake-up call to do things differently to us all.’
– Karen Lucas, University of Manchester, UK
‘Mobility offers an ideal platform to discuss the challenges of contemporary society. We all use mobility; it unfolds right outside our doors and directly influences the quality of our lives. But too often, we take it for granted. Ferreira is the White Rabbit who invites us to explore what lies beneath the surface. Like venturing down a rabbit hole, he leads us through the maze, shedding light on the hidden problems and inspiring us on how to solve them.’
– Marco te Brömmelstroet, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Contents
Contents
Introduction: Mobility as a double-edged sword
1 Towards a kaleidoscopic definition of mobility
2 Mobility as a double-edged sword
3 Mobility, reality, and the research project plague
4 Homo economicus no longer: Challenging competitive
individualism with worldview (im)mobility skills
5 Time, speed, efficiency, and how to ruin good things
6 Meritocratic sheep have mobile dreams: A manifesto
against merit-based social control systems
7 Cyborg dilemmas in the age of the mobile corporate rule
Introduction: Mobility as a double-edged sword
1 Towards a kaleidoscopic definition of mobility
2 Mobility as a double-edged sword
3 Mobility, reality, and the research project plague
4 Homo economicus no longer: Challenging competitive
individualism with worldview (im)mobility skills
5 Time, speed, efficiency, and how to ruin good things
6 Meritocratic sheep have mobile dreams: A manifesto
against merit-based social control systems
7 Cyborg dilemmas in the age of the mobile corporate rule
