Making Public in a Privatized World

In the wake of recent widespread failures of privatization efforts, many communities in the global south now seek new, progressive ways to revitalize the public sector. From rural Guatemalan towns holding the state accountable for public health to an alliance of waste pickers in India and decentralized solar electricity initiatives in Africa, people worldwide are rising up with innovative public service solutions to difficult issues. Making Public in a Privatized World explores all of these cases and more, with essays that uncover the radically different ways grassroots movements have proved themselves as successful alternatives of essential public services where privatized efforts have failed. Using numerous in-depth case studies, this book offers probing insights from a diverse range of contributors from across the world, including academics, activists, unionists, and social movement organizers. A timely collection, Making Public in a Privatized World addresses the growing worldwide interest in exciting alternatives to privatization in both developed and developing countries.--