Contesting the Right to Sustainable Cities Under Neoliberalism: The Case of Macrocampamento Los Arenales, Chile

Abstract

This article examines the grassroots urbanism of Los Arenales, a large informal settlement in Antofagasta, Chile, within the theoretical framework of Henri Lefebvre’s right to the city and its application under neoliberal constraints. It critiques the limitations of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly their top‐down implementation and neoliberal tendencies, by juxtaposing them with community‐driven approaches rooted in spatial justice, participatory governance, and collective agency. Employing a mixed‐methods, embedded case study approach, the study draws on data collected between 2017 and 2023, including participatory mapping, 14 semi‐structured interviews, and engaged research initiatives. Two key projects—Chile’s first cooperative bakery in an informal settlement and the Know Your City initiative—serve as focal points for analysing grassroots strategies. Findings highlight how these initiatives foster economic autonomy, social solidarity, and political advocacy, advancing residents’ right to the city. However, challenges such as reliance on external support and systemic barriers underscore the limitations of grassroots efforts under neoliberal governance. The article concludes that Los Arenales exemplifies the transformative potential of grassroots urbanism, while advocating for structural reforms and inclusive policies to enable equitable urban development. It underscores the importance of integrating lived experiences into urban planning to achieve justice and sustainability within the Global South. © 2025, Cogitatio Press. All rights reserved.