BEACH POLITICS

Explores how elites restrict access to public beaches around the globeBeaches are a beloved form of public space Yet there has been an alarming global trend of restricting access to public sections of beaches to ensure that waterfront property owners can enjoy the shoreline exclusively or develop the land for commercial use Beach Politics examines how over the past forty years privatization of public space has accelerated with the help of both local governments and national corporations On a local level this can entail a group of wealthy neighbors purposely blocking off public beach access in their neighborhood hiring security guards building fences or putting up No Trespassing signs to turn away members of the public who have every right to be there On a state or national level it can manifest as gated communities owned by private corporations sectioning off huge swaths of land limiting access or governments promoting private rather than public development along the shoreline Whenever disputes about land use arise the powers that be often side with private interests and the wealthy over those with fewer resources and frequently people of color Focused on beaches access to public space and social justice this book brings together powerful contri