Privatization and its Discontents: Common Interest Communities and the Rise of Government for the Nice

Abstract

This article explores the phenomenon of privatization, or the shift from government provision of services to provision by the private sector, in the context of privatized neighborhoods. The proliferation of gated and walled communities, together with the significant rise of homeowners associations, contribute to patterns of homogeneity, conformity and exclusion that can yield dangerous consequences. Cultures of litigiousness, fear of the "other," civic alienation and resident dissatisfaction are among the by-products of these common interest communities' zealous pursuit of "the nice" place to live.

Keywords: privatization, community associations, homeowners associations, private neighborhoods