How did Manuel Castells explain social conflict in capitalist cities?

In the context of urban sociology, Manuel Castells explains social conflict in capitalist cities by viewing the city as an arena for struggles that originate from the fundamental class divisions of capitalist society.12

In his work, such as The City and the Grassroots (1983), Castells identifies the city as a battleground between two conflicting forces: capitalist investment in property for profit and the resistance of local populations. He argues that capitalist rationality seeks to commodify the urban environment, often prioritizing profit-making over the needs of residents.1

In response, social movements emerge to organize local resistance against this "capitalist rationalization" of urban space. These movements often aim to:1
* Preserve public services and spaces for their "use value" rather than allowing them to be privatized for profit.1
* Protect the cultural identity of neighborhoods against residential displacement or "blockbusting".1
* Develop decentralized forms of governance, allowing residents to take control over their own living environments.1

Ultimately, Castells posits that these urban conflicts are not isolated local issues but are manifestations of broader class-based tensions inherent in the capitalist system.12