The Ebb and Flow of Resistance: The Squatters’ Movement and Squatted Social Centres in Brighton

Abstract

This chapter suggests an interpretation of the contexts, cycles and institutionalisation of the squatters’ movement in Brighton since the 1970s. First, squatting for living is explored as it becomes politicised. Second, the author determines how squatted and non-squatted autonomous social centres were rooted in Brighton. The criminalisation of squatting, the occasional legalisation and the gentrification processes are analysed according to specific local patterns. The chapter also shows how squatters were associated with other urban struggles and affected social and urban policy in various ways.