ABSTRACT
This chapter draws parallels between Shakespearian personae and contemporary planning practice to highlight problematic aspects of this practice, particularly as it plays out in contexts where substantial democracy is sorely lacking. It focuses on the predominant value of citizenship rights as a key issue in the effort of moving from a professional-technical knowledge to a socio-political and ethical dimension of planning knowledge. From Lefebvre to Mitchell, many scholars have discussed how the right to the city must be defended if we want to live in a diverse, just society, as the very idea of citizenship rights is fundamental to protecting the ideals of liberal democracy. The chapter describes the ethical as well as operational implications for planners when they face huge imbalances of power, status and citizenship rights. The characteristic of citizenship status, both legal and political, prevails due to a paradox in history and a process of involution.
