Sub-formality in the formalization of public transport in East Jerusalem

Abstract

This article discusses formalization processes in the context of urban conflict, focusing on the ways adversarial power relations dictate methods and outcomes of formalization. Based on analysis of the formalization of public transport in ethno-nationally contested Jerusalem, the article demonstrates the production of a mode of formalization, which the author terms sub-formalization. This mode is characterized by severe deviation from professional and administrative norms, both in methods and outcomes, and usually results in inferior solutions and irregular arrangements for challenging informality. In sub-formalization, modern rationality – which constructs planners’ professional authority – is eroded by powers from above and below. Therefore sub-formality represents a mutation of modern, rational, West-oriented planning, coming as a result of the encounter with informality and resistance in a way that blurs dichotomization between the formal and informal. In the context of an ongoing urban conflict, as in the case of East Jerusalem, sub-formality is also utilized by the state to maintain urban marginality and secure existing power hierarchies.

Decolonial approaches to urban transport geographies: Introduction to the special issue

“…Thus, while modes of organising transport in the global north may at first appear innovative or modern-perhaps just by being more technologically-driven-in reality, they are often a reprise of longstanding informal modes of organising widespread in the global south (Kovacs et al, 2017). Likewise while the grey spaces (Yiftachel, 2009) of transport provision are mostly investigated via questions around paratransit (Heinrichs et al, 2018;Shlomo, 2017), there are many other informalising spheres of transport provision, including shared taxis and cycling (see Wood, this issue; Baker, this issue). Moreover, the very same modes of organising-such as mobility sharing platforms-can increase "formalization of more ad hoc mobility infrastructures in the global south" while simultaneously increasing "informalization of infrastructure" in the global north (Stehlin et al, 2020, p. 6).…”

Politics of neutrality: Urban knowledge practices and everyday formalisation in Karachi’s waterscape

“…The former is associated with making the informal formal through policies like land titling, whereas the latter relates to stopping informal practices altogether. Empirical studies on subjects as diverse as housing, public service access, public transport and hawking further emphasise the state’s desire to control, regulate or eradicate these domains as examples of formalisation processes (Björkman, 2014; Ghertner, 2015; Kooy, 2014; Shlomo, 2017; Smart and Smart, 2017; Varley, 2002).…”

Equity, Accessibility and Public Transportation

“…Dolayısıyla; Rodriguez, Comtois ve Slack (2006) ile aynı düşüncede olup, toplu taşıma sistemlerinin kamusal bir hizmet programı olduğunu da ifade etmiştir (Attoh, 2016). Shlomo (2016) çalışmasında toplu taşımanın yoksul ve azınlıkta olan sınıflar için ne kadar önemli olduğunu ve yerel yönetim politikaları açısından belediyelerin bu anlamdaki rolünün önemi vurgulanmıştır.…”